William Saliba drops major hint over Arsenal future with Real Madrid comment


William Saliba has revealed what needs to happen before he thinks about leaving Arsenal.

The defender signed a new five-year contract with the Gunners back in September.

William Saliba during Arsenal's Premier League win over Burnley

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Saliba has revealed his stance on a possible move to Real Madrid in the future.
William Saliba laughs at an Arsenal fan’s request to move to Real Madrid

Arsenal are now six points clear at the top of the Premier League.

However, speculation about a possible move from Saliba to Real Madrid continues.

The Spanish giants have previously been linked with a move for the 24-year-old.

Although they are interested in signing a new centre-back, Saliba is apparently not on their shortlist.

What did Saliba say?

Despite this, the France international has now been asked about a move to the club in the future.

Saliba admits the opportunity is “tempting” but he still has goals he wants to achieve in north London.

He told French TV show Telefoot, quoted by The Sun: “Of course it’s always tempting when a club like this makes a move.”

“But for me my desire was to stay at Arsenal. Win trophies first before I think about anything else.”

Saliba is yet to win a major trophy with Arsenal since joining the club in 2019. Arsenal won the FA Cup in 2020 but Saliba was on loan at former club Saint-Etienne.

However, Mikel Arteta’s side have finished second in the Premier League in each of the last three seasons.

William Saliba and Kylian Mbappe on international duty with France

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Saliba was also asked about a reunion with former youth club teammate Kylian Mbappe.

Meanwhile, he would have the chance to join a strong French squad in the Spanish capital if he moves to Real Madrid.

The current squad already includes Ferland Mendy, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and Kylian Mbappe.

Saliba and Mbappe previously played together for youth team AS Bondy when they were 12 years old.

The Gunners star insists they will remain just international teammates for now.

When asked about a club meeting, he added: “No, no, the Bondy connection is with the French national team for now.”

Saliba has made 146 appearances for Arsenal, scoring seven goals as a centre-back.

William Saliba signs a new five-year contract with Arsenal

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Saliba signed a new five-year contract with the Gunners back in September.

He previously spent time on loan at Saint-Etienne, Nice and Marseille before establishing himself under Arteta.

After signing his new contract, Saliba spoke about his wait for an opportunity as well as his goals to achieve.

He told the club’s official website: “When you sign you dream of playing a lot of games but it comes so quickly.”

“Before I signed I didn’t know I would play a lot of games like this, so it’s good and I want to play more.”

“When I signed I went back to Saint-Etienne and I came back and became a regular player, so a lot happened, but I’m so proud of my journey. I never gave up, even in the difficult moments.”

“Of course I wanted to play straight away, but I didn’t expect it to be as good as it was. I played well, we almost won the league in the first season and we almost won the league the following season too.”

Leandro Trossard and William Saliba celebrate a goal for Arsenal against Fulham

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The defender is aiming for trophies at Arsenal before considering leaving the club.

“I’m happy now, but not 100 percent happy because we have to do more. We have to win titles because that’s what we want, what the club wants.”

As well as sitting top of the Premier League, Arsenal have won each of their first three Champions League games before facing Slavia Prague live on The Pitch Prospect 2 on Tuesday.