Arsenal put £128m price tag on key defender

Premier League champions Arsenal will begin the defence of their crown when they face newly-promoted Coventry City on the opening day of the 2026/27 season.

Mikel Arteta’s side had finished second in the top flight three times on the trot before finally lifting the trophy last term, for the first time in more than two decades.

The Spaniard will be desperate to see his side defend their crown next season, although several other sides will likely be improved and look to challenge the Gunners.

In the meantime, it has emerged that the north London club have put a huge price tag on one of their most important players.

As per CaughtOffside, Arsenal have set an asking price of around £128 million for centre-back William Saliba, amid interest from other clubs.

The report claims that the London side are aware of interest in the Frenchman from other clubs, although they remain adamant that he is not for sale.

Saliba is a key player for Arsenal (Photo: Associated Press/Alamy)

Saliba is a key player for Arteta’s side and played 50 times across all competitions last term, and Arsenal are therefore adamant that he is not for sale.

Despite this, the report suggests that Arsenal could consider selling the defender if they were to receive a substantial offer, in excess of £125 million.

Saliba joined the Gunners from French side Saint-Etienne back in 2019 but spent the following three years on loan in France, with Saint-Etienne, Nice and Marseille.

Since arriving in London, the central defender has made more than 180 appearances for the club in all competitions, establishing himself as a key player.

The France international – who is currently on international duty at the World Cup in North America – is under contract at The Emirates until the end of the 2029/30 campaign.