William Saliba ‘really happy’ at Arsenal but admits he must win silverware to be considered world’s best defender
WILLIAM SALIBA says he is “really happy” at Arsenal amid interest from Real Madrid – and wants to cement his North London legacy with trophies.
However, the Gunners defender insists there is “no rush” to begin contract negotiations, despite his Emirates deal expiring in June 2027.
Saliba, 23, has become one of the most talented centre backs in Europe since breaking into Mikel Arteta’s side, making his Prem debut in August 2022.
Meanwhile, Spanish giants Madrid are monitoring from afar, hoping to lure the Frenchman away over the next few transfer windows with his contract running down.
But ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League last 16 clash with PSV, Saliba said: “I’m really happy here. I’ve been here for two years and a half as well.
“There is nothing [to discuss]. I’m happy and I want to continue here.”
The French defender signed a four-year deal in July 2023.
That contract did not include an option to extend by a further 12 months, but crucially did not include a release clause either.
On if there have been talks over extending his contract, Saliba added: “Not yet, because we have some years [to go]. There is no rush at the minute. I’m happy here. That’s it.”
Saliba joined Arsenal in the summer of 2019 for £27m before being sent out on three loan spells – at former club St Etienne, OGC Nice and Marseille.
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His move was powered by his aspirations of lifting major silverware and becoming the best defender in the world. So far, neither of those dreams have come true.
In Europe this term, Arsenal have conceded just four goals in nine games, and have the best defence in the Prem with just 24 goals conceded – three less than Liverpool.
Yet Saliba admits his performances have been below par, in comparison to his idol Sergio Ramos, Liverpool’s “unbelievable” Virgil van Dijk and his own defensive partner Gabriel.
Saliba continued: “This season I have not been so good. I have to work on my game.
“I have to focus on myself and work more on my concentration, I have to score more and help my team more to win trophies. I have to push, to demand more of myself.
“I have to watch my partner, Gabriel, who has been so, so good this season. There are a few [defenders better]. Van Dijk is unbelievable.
“I want to one day be the best defender in the world. When you win trophies, you can say you’re the best.”
The Champions League dream is still alive this campaign, heading into tonight’s Emirates second leg with a 7-1 lead from last week’s trip to Eindhoven.
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DECLAN RICE rescued a point for Arsenal after David Raya failed to stop a Bruno Fernandes freekick.
Fernandes’ set piece was followed by a brilliant Rice strike in the second half, leaving the sides with a point apiece.
After a quiet first half, both sides woke up and provided more going forward after the break but lacked quality in the final third.
Raya’s display in the second half more than made up for his earlier error and, alongside Rice, kept his side in the game.
Coming off the back of a riotous 7-1 victory over PSV, Arsenal reverted to their goal scoring woes and proved once again that they desperately need a striker.
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A quarter final spot awaits early next month, against one of Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid – having been knocked out at the same stage last year against Bayern Munich.
But Arteta’s men are on course for a third-straight Prem campaign in second place, currently 15 points adrift of Arne Slot’s runaway Liverpool with 10 games remaining.
Saliba said: “This season we don’t deserve to be top [of the Prem].
“If Liverpool are first it is because they did something we didn’t do. They are so good as well. Of course there’s a big gap but we have to keep going.
“I want to win big things with Arsenal. If you leave this club without winning anything the fans will forget about you.
“We are very close. We don’t stop working. When you are close like this, when you don’t win trophies, it’s sad but we have to keep going.
“I’m really sure that we will arrive there. If we don’t believe or if we don’t dream to win the Champions League there is no point to play.”