Xabi Alonso decision could have Arsenal knock-on in nightmare transfer scenario

Xabi Alonso’s potential move away from German champions Bayer Leverkusen could have ramifications on William Saliba’s long-term future at .

Alonso, who guided his side to the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal in an unbeaten domestic season, is likely to leave the club at the end of the campaign with two teams at the top of the list.

The 42-year-old also guided his side to the Europa League final, but suffered their only defeat of the season to Atalanta. So far this term, Leverkusen sit in fifth place and are nine point behind Bayern Munich in top spot.

He has a contract at the Bay Arena until 2026, but is likely to leave as a free agent at the end of the season. Manchester City and Real Madrid are said to be interested in the Spaniard’s services should Pep Guardiola or Carlo Ancelotti call time on their stints at their respective clubs.

According to and Sky Sports Germany, Alonso is more likely to return to Madrid and has already told his players that he is off. He spent six years at the Bernabeu as a player, winning La Liga and the Champions League once.

Should Alonso make the move back to the Spanish capital, this could very well open the door for to depart the Emirates Stadium. The defender has proven, alongside , to be one of the best defenders in the Premier League in the past few seasons.

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The 23-year-old would provide a longstanding solution to Real Madrid’s defence, especially with Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao out with season-ending injuries. Alonso helped young centre-backs such as Edmond Tapsoba and Piero Hincapie emerge during his time at Leverkusen, and may well view Saliba as the perfect addition to Madrid's backline in the summer.

Saliba has appeared in the Premier League PFA Team of the Year for 2022/23 and 2023/24 as well as in the UEFA 2024 European Championship Team of the Tournament - showing he could no doubt make an impact at the Bernabeu.

In July 2023, the France international signed a new contract with the Gunners which will run until 2027 - meaning he'll have just two years left on his deal come next summer. Last campaign, he played in all 38 league games as Arsenal finished two points behind Manchester City.

Arsenal are currently fourth in the Premier League and are on a run of four league games without a win - dropping nine points behind leaders Liverpool. 's side are also still in the Carabao Cup and are 12th in the Champions League table.

But fans will be hoping Alonso's likely move to Real Madrid won't lead to them prising away Arteta's star defensive asset.