William Saliba Breaks Silence on Rejecting Real Madrid's Tempting Offer
William Saliba disclosed that he would not entertain departing Arsenal following his contract extension with the club until he secures major honors.
Saliba faced speculation linking him to Real Madrid during the summer transfer window as uncertainty clouded his future before committing to a new agreement running through 2030. Trent Alexander-Arnold was referenced as an illustration during an Arsenal media briefing prior to their Champions League match on Wednesday, highlighting a player who was attracted to Madrid despite his accomplishments with Liverpool.
"He secured several titles with Liverpool. What about me? I haven't claimed anything here apart from the Community Shield. I've accomplished nothing for this club to contemplate departing. I want to remain here and capture numerous trophies. I adore this club. I cannot depart without repaying them something. I won nothing, so my primary choice was to remain here and claim everything first," Saliba stated.
Saliba: Not Really Focused on Other Clubs
Alexander-Arnold captured every available trophy during his Liverpool career before departing Merseyside on a free transfer during the summer. The England defender emphasized Real Madrid's heritage, aspirations and desire to challenge himself.
Arsenal have concluded as runners-up in three straight Premier League campaigns, the first aligning with Saliba's inaugural season after spending his early Arsenal years on loan in Ligue 1. The club has not advanced to a cup final, European or domestic, since the 2019–20 campaign when Mikel Arteta claimed the FA Cup in his maiden season. Arsenal acquired Saliba during summer 2019 under Unai Emery, but he remained on loan with Saint-Étienne. The French center-back also had loan spells at OGC Nice and Olympique Marseille.
Since his return, he has become a key figure in the Arsenal backline, accumulating 140 appearances for the club at the point of his contract extension.
"I understood that I desired to remain here for additional years, so I was not particularly concentrated on the other clubs. I am content to be here," Saliba expressed.
"I believe it's the sole element missing here is capturing trophies. We all have faith in the project and the future. We possess a strong squad, excellent staff, quality coach. We are near to accomplishing things so we must continue forward."
Arsenal and Saliba aim to secure their second victory from two Champions League league phase encounters when they welcome Olympiacos on Wednesday.