William Salaba claims he is “really happy” at Arsenal despite Real Madrid’s interest and hopes to add titles to his North London career.
Even though the Gunners defender’s contract with Emirates expires in June 2027, he maintains that there is “no rush” to start contract negotiations.
Since joining Mikel Arteta’s team and making his Premier League debut in August 2022, Saliba, 23, has emerged as one of Europe’s most gifted center backs.
With the Frenchman’s contract expiring, Spanish powerhouse Madrid is keeping an eye on him from a distance in the hopes of luring him away over the upcoming transfer windows.
But Saliba stated: “I’m really happy here,” prior to Arsenal’s Champions League final 16 matchup with PSV. I’ve also been here for two and a half years.
“There’s nothing to talk about. I’m content and wish to stay here.”
In July 2023, the French defender agreed to a four-year contract.
Not only did that contract lack a release clause, but it also lacked an option to extend by an additional 12 months.
“Not yet, because we have some years [to go],” Saliba continued when asked if there had been discussions about extending his contract. Right now, there’s no rush. Here, I’m content. That’s all.
Saliba paid £27 million to join Arsenal in the summer of 2019 before going on loan to St Etienne, OGC Nice, and Marseille.
His desire to win major awards and establish himself as the world’s top defender drove his move. Neither of those dreams has materialized to date.
Arsenal has the finest defense in the Premier League with just 24 goals given up, three fewer than Liverpool, and they have only allowed four goals in nine games this season in Europe.
However, Saliba acknowledges that compared to his idol Sergio Ramos, Liverpool’s “unbelievable” Virgil van Dijk, and his own defensive partner Gabriel, his performances have fallen short.
Saliba went on: “I haven’t been very good this season. I need to improve my skills.
“In order for my team to win trophies, I need to score more goals and work on improving my concentration. I need to exert myself and hold myself to higher standards.
Gabriel, my partner, has been really outstanding this season, so I have to watch him. Some [defenders] are superior. Van Dijk is amazing.
“My goal is to become the world’s top defender one day. You can declare yourself the best when you take home awards.
With a 7-1 advantage from last week’s trip to Eindhoven, the Champions League dream is still alive this season going into tonight’s second leg at the Emirates.
After losing to Bayern Munich at the same point last year, they will face Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid in the quarterfinals early next month.
However, with ten games left, Arteta’s team is in second position, 15 points behind Arne Slot’s dominant Liverpool, and on track for a third consecutive Premier League season.
“We don’t deserve to be at the top [of the Prem] this season,” stated Saliba.
If Liverpool is ranked first, it’s because they took a different action than we did. They are also excellent. There is undoubtedly a significant gap, but we must continue.
“I want to help Arsenal win big.” The supporters will forget about you if you leave this club without winning anything.
We have a close relationship. We continue to work. It’s depressing when you get this close and you don’t win awards, but we must continue.
“I have no doubt that we will get there. There is no use in playing if we don’t have the belief or aspiration to win the Champions League.