Saliba addresses Real Madrid links after signing new Arsenal deal

William Saliba says he never paid attention to interest from other clubs, such as Real Madrid, after signing a new contract with Arsenal.

The Gunners announced on Tuesday that the centre-back had put pen to paper on a five-year deal, ending months of speculation over his long-term future.

Real Madrid, who have long been linked with a move for Saliba, will be in the market for central defenders next summer when Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba’s contracts run out.

Los Blancos will now be forced to look at signing other targets, such as Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, instead.

Saliba addresses Real Madrid links following new Arsenal deal

Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash between Arsenal and Olympiacos, Saliba said: “To be honest, I wasn’t really focused on the clubs outside because I was just focused on here.

“I knew I wanted to stay here for more years, so I wasn’t really focused on the other clubs. I’m fully focused on my club.”

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Saliba arrived at Arsenal from Saint Etienne six years ago, but it was another three years before he broke into the first team following a trio of loan spells. Asked if he ever doubts he would make it at the Emirates Stadium, he answered: “Yeah, of course.”

The France international added: “When I arrived in 2020 and I didn’t play for six months then got sent out on loan, of course I had some doubts. I thought maybe I would never play for this club but I told myself that I could not leave this club without playing.

“I didn’t give up. I went out on loan, I played some games, I came back here and I started playing in almost every game. I’m proud of myself for not ever giving up.”

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