William Saliba makes a revelation regarding his future at Arsenal amid speculation regarding a potential switch to Real Madrid.
Since being finally handed his chance in the Gunners first team at the start of 2022-23, Saliba has established himself as one of the world’s best centre-backs.
A total of seven goals and two assists have come from 121 appearances in all competitions, the France international forming a resolute and consistent partnership alongside Gabriel Magalhaes.
There is an argument that their central-defensive relationship is the strongest in world football, yet Arsenal’s ongoing failure to win silverware has led to talk about the 23-year-old’s long-term future.
Saliba has reached a point where he has less than two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract, question marks being raised over whether he is in any rush to sign an extension.
© Imago
Saliba speaks on Arsenal contract
Ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League fixture against PSV Eindhoven, Saliba faced the media when the topic of his future was naturally on the agenda.
As well as stressing that he remains happy at the Emirates Stadium, the former Saint-Etienne, Nice and Marseille man revealed that discussions are yet to start over fresh terms.
Saliba said, as quoted by football.london: “For me, I’m really happy here. I’ve been here for two years and a half as well. There is nothing. I’m happy here and I want to continue here.
On whether talks had commenced, he added: “Not yet, because there is some years [left], so there is no rush at the minute. I’m happy here, that’s it.”
© Imago
Will Real Madrid be discouraged?
On more than one occasion, it has been alleged that Real Madrid would need to bid in excess of £80m to tempt Arsenal into entertaining an exit for Saliba.
Unless Los Blancos are prepared to do that, it feels like an irrelevant topic, particularly until at least the end of 2025-26 when Saliba may enter the final 12 months of his contract.
Real will feel that the lure of representing them will always play in their favour, yet Arsenal will feel that they still have time to start delivering silverware to convince Saliba to stay.
Going deep in this season’s Champions League – where Arsenal could face Real in the quarter-finals – and challenging for next year’s Premier League title could prove pivotal.
