Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is heating up the 2025 summer transfer window with reports that it is willing to spend €120 million to sign center-back William Saliba from Arsenal. According to French sources, president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi has given coach Luis Enrique a budget of up to €800 million to strengthen the squad after a successful season, and Saliba is considered a top target to bolster the defense.

Saliba – Jewels arsenal

William Saliba, a 24-year-old French center, has established himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League. With 130 appearances for Arsenal, Saliba stands out not only for his ability to defend firmly but also for his composure and ability to develop the ball from the deep lane. The combination of Gabriel Magalhaes has helped Arsenal have one of the most solid defenses in Europe.

However, Saliba’s contract with Arsenal was only for two years, and he once expressed that he was in no rush to renew. This opens up opportunities for big men like PSG, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, teams who have been chasing him for a long time.

PSG’s ambition

Under Luis Enrique, PSG is building a consistent squad to compete in Ligue 1 and the Champions League. After successfully signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for €70 million from Napoli in the winter transfer window, PSG has continued to pursue blockbuster deals. Saliba is considered the perfect replacement for names like Milan Skriniar, who could leave the team.

Chairman Al-Khelaïfi believes the €120 million price tag will be difficult for Arsenal to refuse, especially as the Gunners plan to sign stars like Viktor Gyokerres and Nico Williams with a budget of £200 million. However, manager Mikel Arteta and Arsenal’s management have insisted that Saliba is an irreplaceable pillar, and letting him go would be a huge loss.

Fierce competition

PSG isn’t the only team interested in Saliba. Real Madrid, according to L’Équipe, has been negotiating with his representative for weeks and considers Saliba a top priority to bolster their defense, which has been devastated by injury. The X-rated post also shows strong interest from Real Madrid, with president Florentino Pérez reportedly willing to do anything to bring Saliba to the Bernabeu.

Bayern Munich is also in the running, but PSG currently has an advantage thanks to Al-Khelaïfi’s abundant financial resources and determination. According to Fichajes, PSG was willing to spend €100 million on Saliba in 2024, and this time, they have raised the price to €120 million to show their seriousness.

Is the agreement a success?

Although PSG are offering attractive prices, signing Saliba isn’t easy. Arsenal, under Arteta, are aiming to compete for a major title and don’t want to lose their mainstay. Legend Sol Campbell once stated that the 2025 summer transfer window would determine Saliba’s future, and Arsenal’s ambition to make quality signings would influence his decision.

Additionally, Saliba is reportedly attracted to the police officer with close friend Kylian Mbappe at Real Madrid, which may not be a disadvantage for PSG. However, with the lure of the Parc des Princes and Luis Enrique’s ambitious project, PSG still has a good chance of attracting the French center.

Conclude

William Saliba’s €120 million deal promises to be one of the key moments of the 2025 summer transfer window. Can PSG overcome Arsenal and heavyweight rivals like Real Madrid to secure this gem? Only time will tell. But this move certainly demonstrated the French giant’s ambition to build a new empire in Europe.