WILLIAM SALIBA wants to join the pantheon of Arsenal greats with his centre-back partner Gabriel.
But the Frenchman knows they cannot get there without laying their hands on the sort of silverware lifted by legendary figures of the club’s past.
William Saliba and Gabriel Malaghaes are considered by many to be the best defenders in the Premier League
William Saliba and Gabriel Malaghaes are considered by many to be the best defenders in the Premier LeagueCredit: GETTY
The pair have played significant role in Arsenal's recent title challenges
The pair have played significant role in Arsenal's recent title challengesCredit: GETTY
But the Frenchman insists neither nor Gabriel will be considered true greats unless they win a title
But the Frenchman insists neither nor Gabriel will be considered true greats unless they win a titleCredit: GETTY
Man mountains Saliba, 23, and 26-year-old Gabriel have been at the heart of Arsenal’s quest for silverware.
Without doubt, they have all the hallmarks of some of the best defenders in Arsenal’s rich history.
The power and athleticism of Sol Campbell, the leadership and aura of Tony Adams, the tenacity and hunger of Martin Keown.
The duo are also huge figures away from the pitch, involved in numerous “Arsenal in the Community” projects, embracing their positions as role models and inspirers.
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But when it comes to trophies, that is where the comparisons stop.
Former captain Adams is the only man in English football to win league titles in three different decades — in 1989, 1991, 1998 and 2002 — and is immortalised in bronze outside the Emirates.
Adams, now 58, won the title alongside the Steve Bould in ’98 then Campbell and Keown in 2002, while the latter two played an integral part in Arsenal’s 2004 Invincibles campaign.
This current golden partnership needs to achieve similar feats to make the history books.
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Saliba said: “If we want to be all-time great defenders, where everyone remembers us, we have to win some trophies.
“We haven’t done it yet but we will give everything to achieve that.”
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Saliba made a £27million move from Saint-Etienne as a teenager in 2019 but spent time on loan with Nice and Marseille before forming a strong bond with Brazilian Gabriel — who also cost £27m from Lille in 2020 — once Mikel Arteta paired them together at the start of the 2022-23 season.
Saliba added: “Since the day I first played with him, I’ve enjoyed every game.
“He’s a massive, massive defender that is so good in every aspect.”
After falling short in the last two seasons - twice pipped to the title by Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City - this campaign has called for a new type of challenge.
Arteta’s men trail leaders Liverpool by seven points after 14 games ahead of today’s trip across London to face Fulham. And Saliba insisted: “Everything is possible.
“The season is very long and we’ve experienced that in the past two seasons. We just have to focus on ourselves.
“We are still only in December so there are still a lot of things that can happen.
“We can improve but Mikel helped give us a lot of confidence.”
Raised in the north-eastern Paris suburb of Bondy, Saliba - who started out his football career as a striker -idolised another Gunners great, Thierry Henry, as a youngster.
He even had the name of the club’s all-time leading scorer, who netted 228 times for Arsenal, printed on the back of his shirt.
Yet, growing up, Saliba admits he never got to meet any of his footballing heroes.
And that is something that has inspired him in his work with Arsenal in the Community.
Saliba recently gave up his time to join a group of year three children at Ashmount Primary School in Islington, less than two miles from the Emirates.
Arsenal are rooted in and fuelled by the local community and Saliba - along with the entire Gunners’ squad - has embraced that.
Away from the pressures and intensity of a title race, he spent the day answering questions and joining a reading class with the kids, as well as taking part in a kick-around before being mauled with hugs and high-fives.
Saliba said: “When I was younger, I didn’t have that chance so now I am happy to give back and do it now. I know what we can give to the kids.
“We’ve all been in their place when we were young. We know that when you love football, we want to see some football players like us.
“From day one, I could see that we do a lot of things in the community with the kids.
"I like these type of things a lot and it’s really good to give back and be connected with our local community.
“We are so happy to be involved in this type of project. Their support is a huge inspiration for us and we take it with us every time we go on to the pitch.”
Arsenal’s No 2 keeper Neto - who is yet to make an appearance for the club since signing on loan from Bournemouth in the summer - was alongside Saliba at the community event.
The Brazil international, 35, said: “It’s massive as football is about community and passion.
"The community is who keeps this sport so passionate and I like that.
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“When we do these things for the kids it’s so nice, we can remember our own times when we had the opportunity to stay close with players, it’s a dream come true for the kids.
“I’m a father as well and when we have those connections to the areas, it’s much better.”