William Saliba insists he is happy at Arsenal and determined to do 'big things' at the Emirates amid interest from Real Madrid
- William Saliba has formed one of the division's best central defensive pairings
- The Frenchman, 23, has attracted interest from LaLiga giants Real Madrid
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William Saliba insisted he is happy at Arsenal amid reports linking him to Real Madrid and aims to become the world’s best defender by winning major trophies.
The Frenchman has been a mainstay of Mikel Arteta’s side since being recalled from consecutive Ligue 1 loan spells at Nice and Marseille in 2022.
It has resulted in the Gunners boasting one of the best defences in the Premier League — and put the 23-year-old on the radar of clubs such as Real Madrid.
Saliba will have two years left on his contract come this summer but is happy in north London.
Ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League last-16 second leg against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday, with a 7-1 advantage from the first leg, he said: ‘I’m really happy here because we have some years (to go on contract).
‘There is no rush at the minute. I want to win big things with Arsenal. If you leave this club without winning anything the fans will forget about you. I want to win big things here.’
He was also honest about his own performances — even going as far to say team-mate Gabriel has been better than him of late. But he still eyes trophies at a club whose last scalp dates back to their FA Cup triumph in 2020.
‘For me, this season I have not been so good. I have to review my season, I have to work on my game,’ he said.
‘I have to watch especially my partner, Gabriel, who has been so, so good this season.
‘There are a few (defenders better than me), but of course I have to focus on myself and work more.
‘I want to be one day the best defender in the world. I know I have to work a lot and to win trophies as well – but that’s my dream.’
