Arsenal fans have reason to smile this summer. With several new faces through the door, the mood is upbeat and the fans are optimistic.
Yet beyond transfers, the Gunners are also locking down key players, and William Saliba looks set to stay.
Despite repeated links with Real Madrid, Softfootball understands that the French centre-back has given Arsenal fans a boost. Speaking in a recent interview, according to transfer expert and sports journalist Fabrizio Romano via his official X account, the defender has made known his desire to remain at Arsenal and fight for every major trophy.
Romano tweeted:
“William Saliba was asked when he’s gonna sign new deal: “Hopefully soon! God is great”.
“This year we will try to win everything”,
An Arsenal fanbase account, AFTV, posted the video of Saliba talking to the media via its official X account.
Watch video below:
Saliba has become vital to Arsenal’s defensive setup. Alongside Gabriel Magalhães, the pair form one of the strongest partnerships in the league. His performances haven’t gone unnoticed either. Twice named in the PFA Team of the Year, Saliba is widely seen as one of the best young defenders in Europe.
It’s no surprise then that Real Madrid have been watching closely. Softfootball earlier reported that he’s top of Madrid’s wishlist for 2026, and they even tabled an £85m bid for the Frenchman . But with Saliba publicly expressing his desire to stay, Arsenal look to have the upper hand.
The Gunners are also building around him. Last week, 21-year-old Cristhian Mosquera joined from Valencia to add depth at centre-back. That move followed the arrivals of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Nørgaard, Noni Madueke, and Martin Zubimendi. Just days ago, striker Viktor Gyökeres became Arsenal’s latest addition, putting the cream on what is already a successful transfer window for the Gunners.
Arsenal’s message is clear: they’re not just preparing for the future; they also want to build a team that will challenge for every title available. They want to improve from there last season scorecardof a second-placed finish in the English Premier League and a semi-final finish in the UEFA Champions League.
