Exclusive: What Arsenal sources are now saying about William Saliba's future after Edu leaves the Emirates
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Arsenal need a new Director of Football after Edu Gaspar suddenly left the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta lost the Brazilian to Evangelos Marinakis – owner of Nottingham Forest, Olympiacos and Rio Ave – as the Greek businessman was keen to have the South American oversee his network of clubs.
TBR Football understand Edu wanted to take a global role such as this – and he will now serve a period of gardening leave for six months before his new job.
As a result, Arsenal need a new Director of Football – a position which has become crucial in the modern era in terms of ensuring a club is aligned from top to bottom.
In the meantime – however – TBR Football understand talks over a new contract for William Saliba at Arsenal will not be impacted by the departure of Edu Gaspar.
Edu Gaspar exit not expected to complicate William Saliba discussions
Sources have now informed TBR Football that lines of communication between the Frenchman’s representatives and Arsenal remain open.
It is understood Edu’s decision to leave will have no impact on prospective negotiations over a fresh deal for Saliba – who sees his current contract expire in July 2027.
Arsenal are working on replacing the South American – with Thiago Scuro of AS Monaco an option for the Gunners – but the north Londoners insist plans have not fallen through a vacuum due to Edu departing.
TBR Football also understand Real Madrid are keen to sign Saliba – which will surely concern Arteta given the immense pull of the Spanish giants.
Nonetheless, we are told that Arsenal are ready to start contract talks with the France international over a new long-term deal before the current campaign ends.
Antonio Rudiger wants William Saliba at Real Madrid
Los Blancos are in need of a new central defender after Eder Militao suffered a serious injury, and Antonio Rudiger has already named Saliba as the man he wants alongside him at Real Madrid.
The Germany international also called the Arsenal No.2 a “silent leader” when speaking on The Inside Scoop podcast.
It would presumably require a huge fee to lure Saliba away from the Emirates Stadium right now, but the longer he goes without signing a new contract, the more confident Real Madrid will become.
