Arsenal defender admits Real Madrid move was ‘tempting’

William Saliba has admitted that rumoured transfer interest from Real Madrid was ‘tempting’ but insists he wants to win titles with Arsenal.

Saliba committed his future to the North Londoners after signing a new contract last month. The France international penned fresh terms with the Gunners, ending speculation over a potential move to Spain.

Real Madrid had been strongly linked with formalising their interest in the centre-back, and Saliba admitted the lure of the Bernabeu is tempting.

However, he insisted he wants to lift trophies with Arsenal before considering any future move.

“Of course it’s really tempting when a club like that is interested in you,” Saliba told Telefoot.

“But I wanted to win titles at Arsenal first before thinking about anything else.”

Saliba has made 144 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions, since joining from Saint-Etienne in 2019. After a series of impressive loan spells, he broke into the Arsenal team in 2022/23 and has been a cornerstone of the club’s improvement.

Mikel Arteta’s side have boasted the Premier League’s best defensive record in each of the last three seasons, with Saliba named in the PFA Team of the Year in each campaign.

This season, he’s formed part of a defence that has conceded just three goals in 15 games across all competition.

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