William Saliba has provided a significant boost to Arsenal by reaffirming his commitment to the club, despite interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid, who have reportedly made the 23-year-old defender their top summer target.
Speaking during an Arsenal in the Community visit to Ashmount Primary School in Islington, the French center-back expressed his deep connection to the club, saying: “I feel at home here. I signed for the club five years ago, but this is only my third season, and I’m enjoying everything—the players, staff, and fans.”
When asked if he could see himself staying at the Emirates long-term, Saliba confidently responded, “Yeah, of course.”
Saliba joined Arsenal in 2019 from Saint-Etienne for £27 million and spent time on loan at Nice and Marseille before becoming a key figure under Mikel Arteta. The 6ft 3in defender has made 102 appearances for the club, solidifying his status as one of the world’s top defenders.
The boyhood Arsenal fan extended his contract last summer, signing a new four-year deal, further demonstrating his commitment to the Gunners.
Real Madrid, however, remain keen, with Carlo Ancelotti’s side dealing with a defensive injury crisis. Former Bernabéu defender Rafael Alkorta has voiced his admiration for Saliba, saying, “I love Saliba; I would definitely sign him.”
Despite this, Arsenal fans can breathe easier knowing their star defender sees his future in North London.
As Arsenal prepare to face Fulham on Sunday in a crucial Premier League clash, they hope to close the gap on leaders Liverpool. Defensive partners Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori will undergo fitness assessments, while Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu remain sidelined. Fulham’s loanee Reiss Nelson will be unavailable to face his parent club due to loan terms.
