Arsenal star William Saliba has admitted transfer interest from Real Madrid was “tempting,” but insisted he did not hesitate at the chance to sign a new contract with Arsenal.
Having become one of the best players in his position, Saliba was linked with Real Madrid as the Frenchman was described as a dream option for Los Blancos.
Saliba had entered the final two years of his previous contract with Arsenal when speculations surfaced but the Frenchman opted to sign a new five-year deal in September to bring that pursuit to an abrupt end.
The France international who vowed to deliver major silverware to the Emirates before he even considers a move away in the future has admitted to Téléfoot that interest from Madrid at least made him think twice about his next career move.
“Of course, it’s always tempting when a club like that tries to lure you, but for me, [my desire] was to stay at Arsenal. First, win trophies, before thinking about anything else,” he confessed.
Saliba has formed a great partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Aside from his impressive performance for club and country, links between Saliba and Madrid were strengthened by the fact he hails from Bondy, the same Parisian suburb as a certain Kylian Mbappé. The pair both came through the local academy there and have regularly been tipped to reunite at club level.
Asked whether he could link up with his fellow Bondy native in Madrid next season, Saliba laughed: “No, no, the Bondy connection is with the French national team, for now.”
Arsenal’s decision to give Saliba a new improved contract proves the club’s determination to keep a winning squad. The London club have also tied Saliba’s centre back partner Gabriel down to new long-term contracts.
Having missed out on Saliba, Real Madrid have shift their focus on free transfers, with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi, Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté and Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano among those under consideration.
