Latest news with #Saliba
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Real Madrid Are Eyeing A Massive Move For This Arsenal Defender: Dream Signing For Alonso?
In a recent report, Fichajes stated that Real Madrid are eyeing a massive move for Arsenal defender William Saliba this summer. It has been claimed that Los Blancos are willing to pay €90m and arrange a season-long loan deal for Arda Guler as well as send Raul Asencio permanently to the North London club for the French centre-back this off-season. Saliba's Impressive Form In North London Saliba enjoyed a solid run of form at the North London club after he put in a string of impressive displays at the heart of their backline. The France international featured in 51 matches for Arsenal last season, scoring two goals across all fronts. The 24-year-old was a solid presence on the defensive end of the field as he made 62 tackles, 25 blocks and 21 interceptions in the Premier League. He has even been tidy when distributing possession from the back based on his pass success rate of 94.3% in top-flight football (stats via His current contract at the Emirates Stadium will expire in the summer of 2027. Thus, it is no surprise that Los Blancos are preparing such a massive offer for the French defensive ace in this transfer window. LONDON COLNEY, ENGLAND – MAY 06: William Saliba of Arsenal during a training session and press conference ahead of their UEFA Champions League 2024/25 semi final first/second leg match at Sobha Realty Training Centre on May 06, 2025 in London Colney, England. (Photo by) Will Saliba Be A Dream Signing For Real Madrid Boss Xabi Alonso? Saliba is a decent tackler of the ball and can time his challenges well to earn possession back for his team inside his half. He doesn't mind putting his foot through the ball when needed and is even proficient at playing his way out from the back. Standing at 1.92m, the French centre-back can use his powerful frame to win a lot of aerial duels. He has got a wealth of experience at the highest level and would be a great fit for Real Madrid's needs this summer. Saliba would bring more bite and steel to Xabi Alonso's defence. He is good enough to nail down a regular first-team spot at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium next season. At 24, Saliba has his peak years ahead of him which makes him a dream signing for Los Blancos to pursue this off-season. He might even help the Madrid giants compete for a lot of major honours over the next few years.
Otago Daily Times
a day ago
- Otago Daily Times
Relative allegedly murdered man in home invasion
Failing to locate stacks of cash during a home invasion, a money-hungry masked man fatally beat an elderly relative over the head before fleeing the scene, a jury has heard. Kalim Saliba was asleep in his lounge room while his wife Shahidy Saliba watched television in their western Sydney home in the wee hours of April 28, 2020. This peaceful scene was shattered after a masked man broke in just after midnight. Minutes later, the couple - who were both in their 80s - were struck over the head in their Cherrybrook garage. Mrs Saliba lost consciousness and Mr Saliba collapsed to the floor and later died in hospital. "Where is the money?" the masked man said before attacking the couple, a NSW Supreme Court trial was told on Monday. Tony Phillip Tadrosse, 60, and Danny Stephen, 35, have both pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Saliba and assaulting Mrs Saliba while armed and intending to rob and wound her. Stephen is one of the elderly couple's great nephews and Tadrosse is an extended relative. The pair sat before a jury on Monday as crown prosecutor Eric Balodis described how Mrs Saliba and her husband heard someone breaking the glass at the front of their home. They soon saw a masked man with a bag inside, he said. Mr Balodis told the jury there might have been a second person inside the house making noise upstairs and a possible third person in a car driving outside. He said while Tadrosse or Stephens weren't identified within the Cherrybrook home, there was a strong circumstantial case they were there at the time. The motive was financial, Mr Balodis said, with the two men on the lookout for money. Despite not having money in his bank account, Tadrosse called to inquire about getting expensive dental implants the morning before the home invasion, the prosecutor said. It was well-known amongst the extended family Mr Saliba and his wife were old-fashioned with their money, preferring to keep cash in a safe rather than digitally, the jury was told. Tadrosse and Stephens formed a plan to break into the property knowing one of the occupants could be killed or suffer grievous bodily harm, the prosecutor said. Through this joint criminal enterprise, the pair were guilty of murder, he argued. The Crown's case relies heavily on CCTV footage showing a Hilux and an Audi driving through the streets of Cherrybrook doing "reconnaissance" of the house in the hours before the home invasion. Tadrosse and Stephen had access to these vehicles, Mr Balodis said. The timing of calls made between phone numbers allegedly belonging to the two co-accused aligned with the events of that night, jurors heard. After returning to his Kings Cross home, Tadrosse tried to establish an alibi by calling the coronavirus hotline and saying he had woken up in a cold sweat, Mr Balodis argued. Both men deny any involvement in the events of that tragic night. "Danny Stephen didn't murder Kalim Saliba or injure his wife Shahidy," defence barrister Karl Prince said. Tadrosse's barrister Madeleine Avenell SC said there was no doubt the home invasion was a "terrible incident" with a "terrible outcome". However, her client also rejected allegations he was there. If the more serious charges can't be proven, the jury can consider alternative charges of manslaughter and assault with intent to rob. The trial continues on Tuesday.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
William Saliba reveals transfer preference amid Real Madrid and PSG interest - 'Hopefully'
Arsenal star William Saliba is of interest to Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain but the Frenchman has now spoken out on where he sees his immediate future William Saliba has given Arsenal fans a huge boost by revealing he is in talks over a new contract as the Gunners gear up for another Premier League title challenge. The French defender is one of the most sought-after centre-backs in world football, with the likes of Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain monitoring his situation. But the 23-year-old has made it clear he wants to stay in north London and play a key role in Mikel Arteta 's push for glory. Asked whether he is going to sign a new deal, Saliba said: 'Yeah, hopefully. Of course there is nothing now but there is a good conversation with my agent and the club. Let's see.' It follows a string of renewals at Arsenal, with Saliba's central defensive partner Gabriel signing a new five-year contract in May. Youngsters Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri are also committing their long-term future to the club and star winger Bukayo Saka is also in line for fresh terms, as he also has two years left on his current deal. Saliba was speaking after Arsenal wrapped up the Singapore leg of their Asia tour with a 3-2 win over Newcastle, having also beaten AC Milan. The Gunners now head to Hong Kong to face fierce rivals Tottenham on Thursday. The France international is excited by the direction the team is heading, especially after the club signed six new players this summer. Viktor Gyokeres joined the squad to watch Sunday's win, and more could follow, with Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze a firm target. 'Every year is different,' he added. 'We have to learn from the last three seasons. Of course, we are lucky to have a chance to compete in the Premier League again and try to win. 'Our mindset is to win the Premier League and we will give everything from the first game. We have a lot of new players and they will hopefully help us to win this league. 'Pressure is good, that means we are in a good place. We need to keep going like this. If we are not good we don't have pressure, so it's good. We play football to have pressure.' Saliba has also been blown away by the talent of two 15-year-olds, Max Dowman and Marli Salmon, who trained with the squad on tour and played in both games so far. 'They are unbelievable. They are young so we mustn't put pressure on them, but to play the way they play at 15! I remember when I was 15, I was not playing with the first team. "I was with the U-17s, so it's good. We have to protect them and give them support, but of course, they are really good players, and I hope they will help us as soon as possible.' Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘It's scary to play against him' – William Saliba backs new Arsenal team-mate Viktor Gyokeres to fire them to Prem glory
WILLIAM SALIBA has warned opposition defenders they will be SCARED facing Viktor Gyokeres this season. Martin Odegaard penalty. 3 Gyokeres is officially a Gunner Credit: Getty 3 He was unveiled over the weekend Credit: Getty 3 His new teammate has warned he will be a force to be reckoned with Credit: Getty Play Dream Team now! Play The Sun Dream Team ahead of the 2025/26 season Free to play Over £100,000 in total prize money Play in Mini Leagues against your mates Submit a team for Gameweek 1 to enter £5,000 prize draw Gyokeres, 27, will fly to Hong Kong with the squad today ahead of potentially making his debut against North London rivals Tottenham on Thursday. And French centre-back Saliba is glad he no longer has to battle Mikel Arteta's latest recruit. Gyokeres leaves Portugal with a record of 97 goals in 102 games in all competitions , including 39 goals in 33 games in the Portuguese top flight last term. Saliba said: 'We know how good he is, it's scary to play against him. Of course, I'm so happy to have him in my club, and I'm sure that he will help us to win games and win trophies. read more arsenal 'When you face a striker who scores goals, you have to be focused! But now he's in our team and he will score for us, so that's good.' Gyokeres is one of SIX players summer , alongside Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga , Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera. It is a huge overhaul that Arteta hopes can have the desired effect after finishing second in the Prem for three years on the spin – going five years without a trophy. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Most read in Football Arteta believes getting most of his arrivals on Arsenal's pre-season tour of Asia will pay off by the time they travel to Old Trafford for their Prem opener on August 17. Having also beaten AC Milan 1-0 while in Singapore, Saliba continued: 'Every year is different. We have to learn from the last three seasons. Arsenal CONFIRM £63.5million Viktor Gyokeres transfer as striker takes iconic No14 made famous by Thierry Henry 'Of course we are lucky to have a chance to compete in the Premier League again and try to win. Our mindset is to win and we will give everything from the first game. 'We have a lot of new players and they will hopefully help us to win this league. 'Pressure is good, that means we are in a good place. We need to keep going like this. If we are not good we don't have pressure. We play football to feel pressure.' Saliba has just two years left on his current Emirates deal and Real Madrid are believed to want to lure the France international to Spain in the near future . Sorting new deals for Gabriel and Myles Lewis-Skelly , with talks ongoing for Ethan Nwaneri and Asked if he will sign on, Saliba said: 'Yeah, hopefully — of course there is nothing now but there is a good conversation with my agent and the club. Let's see.' Arsenal's Hale End 15-year-olds Max Dowman and Marli Salmon made their senior debuts in Singapore, with Dowman in particular impressing, winning the penalty for Odegaard against the Toon with an incredible run cutting in off the right. Arteta has hailed Dowman as 'special' and is keen to give him first-team minutes this campaign. Saliba added: 'They are unbelievable. 'Of course they are young, we mustn't put pressure on them, but to play the way they play at 15. I remember when I was 15, I was not playing with the first team — I was with the U17s. 'We have to protect them and give them support, but of course they are really really good players, and I hope they will help us as soon as possible.'
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Striker Viktor Gyokeres and other new signings will help Arsenal end trophy drought: William Saliba
Arsenal's new signing Viktor Gyokeres being unveiled before a pre-season friendly against Newcastle United at the National Stadium on July 27. SINGAPORE – Arsenal fans are not the only ones over the moon about their newest signing Viktor Gyokeres – defender William Saliba is also positive that the Swedish striker will help the Gunners end their trophy drought. After weeks of relentless buzz, the English Premier League giants signed the 27-year-old goal machine from Sporting Lisbon for a reported £55 million (S$94.9 million) and unveiled him to rapturous applause before their 3-2 friendly win over Newcastle United at the National Stadium on July 27. Saliba is only too glad that Gyokeres – who plundered 54 goals in 52 matches last season and finished second in the 2024-25 European Golden Shoe standings behind Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe – will not be on the opposing side when they next share a pitch. 'We know how good he is and how it's scary to play against him, so of course, I'm happy to have him in my club and I'm sure that he will help us to win games and trophies,' said the 24-year-old French centre-back in an interview after Arsenal beat Newcastle to bring the 2025 Singapore Festival of Football to a close. 'When you face a striker who scores goals, you have to be focused. But now he's in our team, and he'll score for us, so that's good.' Gyokeres, who signed a five-year deal with the Gunners, netted 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting, helping them win the Portuguese league title in both of his seasons with the club. He watched from the sidelines as his new teammates put on a winning display at the National Stadium, erasing an early deficit from Anthony Elanga's opener with a quick-fire double from Mikel Merino and an own goal from Alex Murphy. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia Thailand, Cambodia agree to 'immediate and unconditional ceasefire' to de-escalate border row Asia Gunman kills 5 near Bangkok's Chatuchak market before taking own life Singapore Tanjong Katong sinkhole: BCA to conduct independent probe, act against any non-compliance Singapore Foreign workers who rescued woman from sinkhole given tokens of appreciation Singapore COE quota up 2.6% to 18,701 for August-October period Business SIA's first-quarter profits fall by 59%; airline group sees volatile times ahead Singapore Ong Beng Seng set to plead guilty on Aug 4 in case linked to ex-transport minister Iswaran Singapore Jail for former pre-school teacher who tripped toddler repeatedly, causing child to bleed from nose The Magpies equalised in the second half through Jacob Murphy, but skipper Martin Odegaard converted a penalty earned after a surging run by 15-year-old substitute Max Dowman for the Gunners' second win in as many pre-season games. 'It's a good test before the Premier League, because we know when we play against (Newcastle), it's always tough,' said Saliba. The pressure is on the Gunners to deliver a trophy following three runner-up finishes in the Premier League, with their last piece of silverware being the FA Cup in 2020, but Saliba said that such expectations show that they are moving in the right direction. 'Pressure is good, it means we are in a good place, and we need to keep going like this. If we weren't good, we wouldn't have pressure (on us).' Arsenal have spent about £200 million in the summer transfer window with six new acquisitions, having also signed midfielders Christian Norgaard and Martin Zubimendi, defender Cristhian Mosquera, winger Noni Madueke and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. Saliba is hopeful that the increased squad depth will translate into silverware, saying: 'We have a lot of new players, so that will help us to hopefully win the league... We are in a good mood and in good shape. 'Our mindset is to win the Premier League and we will give everything from the first game.' On his stay in the Republic, Saliba said: 'Singapore was good – the weather, the food and especially the fans. 'We enjoyed our time here, and I hope we will see you again soon.' Saliba, who joined Arsenal in 2019, has reportedly been a target of Real Madrid, but it seems that the Spanish giants might have to look elsewhere for defensive reinforcements. When asked if he was going to renew his Arsenal contract, which ends in 2027, Saliba said that while no concrete moves have been made, there is 'good conversation with the club' and he hopes to stay. The Gunners will next face Tottenham Hotspur in a friendly at Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong on July 31 in the first north London derby to be played outside Britain, before wrapping up their pre-season preparations with home friendlies against Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao at the Emirates in early August.
