Arsenal defender, William Saliba has revealed that he was tempted by the interest of Real Madrid during the last transfer window, Softfootball understands.
The France international recently penned a new long-term with the Gunners and later revealed that he made the choice because the club had given him a lot and he would like to win a major trophy with the London side before looking for other adventures.
According to football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano through his official X handle, the player is happy at Arsenal but like every other player, Real Madrid is the dream. He wrote:
William Saliba on Real Madrid interest: ‘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”, told Telefoot.
Saliba has developed into one of the finest center-backs in the world since joining Arsenal in 2019. He was initially sent on loa to French clubs Saint-Étienne, Nice, and Marseille before making his Arsenal debut in August 2022. He came back to Arsenal as a better defender and helped them to a strong Premier League title challenge in the 2023/24 season. However, an injury in March 2023 forced his campaign to end early.
The following season, he returned even stronger, playing every minute of the Premier League season for Arsenal, a feat not achieved by an Arsenal outfield player since 1989/90. He was a cornerstone of the league’s stingiest defense, winning possession more times than any other central defender in the division.
Arsenal has finished second in three consecutive seasons and got eliminated in the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League last season and Saliba is determined to help the Gunners win both competitions this term.
