# PSG targets William Saliba as a priority defensive option

> Paris Saint-Germain would be preparing a bid for William Saliba to plan for life after Marquinhos and bolster their central defense next summer.

- Source : https://www.psg-news.com/en/article/psg-makes-william-saliba-a-top-defensive-priority
- Published on : 2026-10-18T12:28:44+00:00
- Modified : 2026-10-18T12:28:49+00:00
- Lang : en
- Publisher : PSG News (https://www.psg-news.com/)
- Tags : william saliba, psg, arsenal, transfer market
- Other languages : fr: https://www.psg-news.com/article/le-psg-place-william-saliba-en-tete-de-ses-priorites-defensives
- Photo : Bryan Berlin, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:William_Saliba_France_v_Spain_7.24.26-071.jpg

## Key takeaways

- PSG have identified William Saliba, Arsenal’s 25-year-old central defender, as a defensive priority for next summer.
- The club is preparing an initial offer of 90 million euros for Saliba.
- Arsenal would value Saliba at least at 100 million euros according to the press.
- Saliba is under contract with Arsenal until 2030 after an extension a year ago.
- Saliba is dealing with a back problem and is expected to return to competition in November.

The Paris Saint-Germain have identified [William Saliba](/en/tag/william%20saliba), [Arsenal](/en/tag/arsenal)'s central defender and French international, as a priority target to reinforce their defense ahead of the next summer transfer window. The Parisian club is considering an initial proposal and is ready to negotiate to secure the 25-year-old player's signature.

## An initial financial offer
According to the press, the first proposal [PSG](/en/tag/psg) would prepare would reach 90 million euros. This amount would be seen as an opening negotiation position rather than a final offer: Arsenal would value the player at least 100 million euros, which should push the capital club to reassess its financial strategy if the case is pursued to the end.

## A choice tied to the post-Marquinhos era
The Paris project would be aimed at anticipating a replacement for Marquinhos, the Paris Saint-Germain captain and 31-year-old central defender. Luis Enrique, PSG coach, would want to ensure a profile of very high level for the succession, and Saliba would be among the options considered to meet this sporting requirement.

## Contractual situation and availability
William Saliba, 25, is tied to Arsenal until 2030 following a contract extension made a year ago. The dossier could therefore involve substantial financial discussions. The press also indicates that Saliba is currently troubled by a back problem and a return to competition is expected in mid-November, which could affect the timing of negotiations.

Details in brief:
- Target: William Saliba, Arsenal central defender, 25 years old.
- Prepared offer: 90 million euros according to the press.
- Arsenal valuation: at least 100 million euros according to the press.
- Contract: tied until 2030 after an extension last year.
- Fitness status: hampered by a back issue, return expected in November.

No official agreement has been announced and the next steps will depend on the financial and sporting decisions of the two clubs involved.

## Your questions, our answers

**Who is PSG targeting as their defensive target?**

The main target mentioned is William Saliba, Arsenal’s 25-year-old central defender and French international.

**What amount would PSG be preparing for Saliba?**

PSG would be preparing an initial offer of 90 million euros, while Arsenal values the player at least at 100 million euros.

**Can Saliba play immediately if the transfer goes through?**

William Saliba currently has a back problem and his return to competition is expected in November.


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