- 16 hours ago
Fabrizio Romano reveals truth behind Saliba Arsenal future
Suraj Radia
- 6 Oct 2024 18:00 BST
- 4 min read
Fabrizio Romano has revealed the truth behind speculation surrounding William Saliba, with Real Madrid reported to be keen admirers of the Arsenal defender.
Saliba has been integral to Arsenal’s progress under Mikel Arteta in recent years and the Frenchman has continued his form into this season, with the Gunners conceding just six times in their opening seven Premier League games.
Real are believed to see Saliba as ‘the future of their defence’, while Antonio Rudiger picked the Frenchman as the player he most wanted his side to sign, but Romano has insisted that the Arsenal star has no desire to leave the Emirates Stadium anytime soon.
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"There is absolutely nothing going on with Saliba and any other club,” Romano told GIVEMESPORT. “Back in the summer we had rumours about Saliba and Paris Saint-Germain, and about Spanish clubs, but the reality is that he never considered leaving Arsenal.
“He extended his contract in summer 2023, and he remains very happy with life at the club, it’s fantastic for him there. Saliba can see the ambition under Arteta, and he can see how important he is in the project.
"It’s obvious that Saliba would have admirers from other big players as he’s one of the best centre-backs in the world, but it’s a compliment for the player, but nothing more than that. Saliba is very happy at Arsenal and they are very happy with him, so the intention is to continue together for the long term."
Real Madrid keen on Saliba transfer
Saliba has been a mainstay of Arsenal’s defence since making his debut for the club in 2022, with the 23-year-old featuring in every minute of the Gunners’ Premier League campaign last season.
Arsenal have boasted one of the best defensive records in the league with Saliba as part of their core, leading to interest from some of Europe’s top sides.
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Saliba admitted the only thing holding him back from being considered an elite player was a lack of trophies, however he felt he could achieve his goals with Arsenal, indicating his happiness to remain in North London.
Current ETV
William Saliba
D (C)
Arsenal
William Saliba
D (C)
Arsenal
ETV Range
€59.6M - €99.4M
But Real Madrid are likely to test Arsenal’s resolve over Saliba at some point, having held a long-standing interest in the centre-back as the Spanish giants look to reinvigorate their backline in the near future.
