Real Madrid proposes Rodrigo to exchange Saliba, why Arsenal refuses

According to Le Marca, Real Madrid submitted a shocking proposal to Arsenal before the summer window was closed - to exchange Brazilian winger Rodrigo for French central defender William Saliba, but was rejected by the Gunners in seconds. Although he narrowly beat Manchester United 1-0 in the first round of the new season, Arteta's team exposed serious problems: Swedish center Gicres shot zero in the whole game, and was hit by his opponent 22 shots and possession rate was only 39%. Opta data shows that Arsenal's expected goal in the sports game is only 0.28. If it weren't for the iron wall of the defense led by Saliba, the Emirates Stadium might have fallen. The 23-year-old central defender has averaging 7.42 per game in the past three seasons, with a high interception success rate of 68% and a top Premier League finish. He has the ability to take off the ball (7.3 passes per 90 minutes) and classical defensive art (1v1 against 83% win rate).

Saliba has only two years left in its existing contract, which has become a breakthrough for Real Madrid to poach. The Bernabeu side had successfully induced Arnold to refuse to renew the contract, but now it is done as usual. What makes the Gunners even more wary is that Saka is also entering the contract year. If he finishes second for four consecutive years, the core player may be in a state of dissatisfaction. From a tactical perspective, Rodrigo can indeed solve Arsenal's pain points: compared to Martinelli, Real Madrid winger handles the ball more calmly in a narrow space (3.4 key passes every 90 minutes last season), and his rib penetration ability can crack dense defense. But FBref data reveals the cruel reality - Saliba missed last season, the Gunners' average goals conceded from 0.8 to 1.7, and the defensive dominance directly determines the cap of the championship.

This miscarriage transaction reflects the strategic dilemma of the North London giants: they must maintain the Champions League level of the defense line, but also improve their offensive creativity. Arteta admitted after the game that some areas still need to be strengthened, but letting go of the cornerstone of the defense is tantamount to demolishing the east and restoring the west. It is worth noting that Saliba's agent has frequently appeared in Madrid recently, while Real Madrid still has a 120 million euro signing budget. When the arms race in modern football meets the contract year game, this secret battle around the core of the defense may have just begun.