Arsenal players
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Arsenal defender William Saliba has revealed why he rejected a lucrative move to Real Madrid during the summer transfer window, insisting his focus remains firmly on achieving success in North London.
The French centre-back has evolved into one of the key pillars of Mikel Arteta’s resurgent Arsenal side, a team now widely regarded as one of Europe’s most disciplined and dynamic outfits. Yet Saliba’s journey to the top has been anything but straightforward.
After signing for Arsenal in 2019, the highly-rated defender endured a patient wait to break into the first team, spending loan spells at Saint-Etienne, Nice, and Marseille before earning Arteta’s trust. His breakthrough finally came in 2022, and since then, he has been virtually undroppable at the heart of Arsenal’s defence.
Despite reported interest from Real Madrid last summer, Saliba’s commitment to the Gunners was reaffirmed when he signed a new long-term contract in September, ending speculation about a potential exit.
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Speaking about his decision to turn down the Spanish giants, Saliba told reporters: “Of course it’s really tempting when a club like that is interested in you. But I wanted to win titles at Arsenal first before thinking about anything else.”
While Arsenal’s progress under Arteta has been remarkable, major trophies have so far remained elusive. However, this season’s early performances suggest that could be about to change. The Gunners have produced one of the Premier League’s best defensive records and are firmly in contention for the title.
William Saliba new contract
William Saliba signed a new long-term Arsenal contract (Image credit: Getty Images)
Goalkeeper David Raya, who kept yet another clean sheet in the 2-0 victory over Burnley, praised the team’s collective effort and stressed the importance of maintaining focus.
“We have to think game by game,” Raya said after the win. “We have to think it’s very early in the season. We’ve played 10 [league] games, so there’s a lot of football still to be played.
“We are only just starting in November, so obviously it’s nice to be there [at the top of the league] and to have those points. But we have to focus on ourselves, focus game by game and in the present.”
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The Spaniard also lauded the unity and discipline that have defined Arsenal’s performances so far this campaign. “It’s incredible, not just the defence, I think it’s a collective achievement, if you want to put it that way,” he added.
“It starts from the striker and finishes with the goalkeeper. So, it’s just incredible to have that work rate from everyone, trying to shut teams down and not concede that many chances. That’s just credit to everyone.”
For Saliba, staying at Arsenal is about more than loyalty, it’s about unfinished business. And with the Gunners mounting another serious challenge for silverware, the 24-year-old’s decision to stay could yet prove pivotal in ending the club’s long wait for a Premier League crown.
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