William Saliba: Barcelona linked with 100m move for Arsenal and France defender

Barcelona are being linked with a move for France centre-back William Saliba, with the Arsenal defender reportedly under consideration for a high-profile switch to LaLiga. The 25-year-old, who is also eligible for Cameroon, is currently valued at around 100m and remains under contract at Emirates Stadium until 30 June 2030, making any deal complex and likely expensive.

Saliba has established himself as a key figure at the heart of Arsenals defence since returning from a series of loans earlier in his career, helping the club win the Premier League title in the 2025-26 season. Signed from Saint-Etienne in 2019 for 30m, he has developed into one of the most prominent central defenders in the Premier League, with 131 league appearances and seven goals for the North London side.

Barcelonas interest comes as the Catalan club continue to monitor elite-level defensive options in Europe, with Salibas combination of experience in England and previous spells in Ligue 1 and European competition regarded as particularly attractive. His performances at the 2026 World Cup, where he started the majority of Frances matches on their run in the tournament, have further underlined his standing at international level, having already been part of the France squad that finished as World Cup runners-up in 2022.

With four years left on his deal and Arsenal in a strong position following recent domestic success, there is no suggestion the club are under pressure to sell. Any approach from Barcelona would therefore have to test Arsenals resolve, with Saliba tied to the Premier League champions on a long-term contract.