William Saliba Expresses Loyalty to Arsenal Amidst Real Madrid Speculation
Arsenal defender William Saliba has stated his contentment at the Emirates Stadium, despite recent rumors linking him to Real Madrid.
From Saint-Etienne to North London
The French international joined Arsenal from Saint-Etienne in the summer of 2019, though he wasn’t immediately integrated into the first team. Saliba spent three seasons on loan honing his skills before finally becoming a key player for the Gunners in 2022. Since then, he has flourished at the heart of Arsenal’s defense, making 106 appearances and contributing to the team’s consistent competitiveness in the Premier League. Arsenal finished as runners-up in the last two seasons, demonstrating their growing prowess under Mikel Arteta.
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“I Feel at Home Here”
Despite Real Madrid reportedly expressing interest in securing Saliba’s services, the defender has shown no inclination to leave North London. His contract with Arsenal runs until the summer of 2027, providing him with a sense of security and belonging.
“Yeah, of course I feel like I’m at home,” Saliba stated in an interview. “I joined the club five years ago, but this is only my third season and I’m enjoying everything – the players, the staff, the fans.”
When asked about his future plans, he added, “I feel like I’m at home, why not?”
Arsenal’s Title Ambitions
Arsenal currently sit behind Liverpool in the Premier League standings, but have the opportunity to close the gap to four points with a win against Fulham tonight (8/12/2024). Saliba remains optimistic about Arsenal’s chances of clinching the title this season.
“Everything is possible. The competition is still very long, and we have two years of experience with this. We just have to focus on ourselves, after all, it’s still December. So there will be many things that can happen,” he said with determination.
What are William Saliba’s specific goals and aspirations for the future at Arsenal?
## William Saliba: Loyal Gunner
**Interviewer:** William, rumors have been swirling lately about a potential move to Real Madrid. How do you respond to these speculations?
**William Saliba:** Look, it’s flattering to be linked with such a prestigious club like Real Madrid. It shows that people are recognizing my performance. However, my focus is entirely on Arsenal. I’m happy here, I feel at home at the Emirates, and I’m committed to helping this team achieve great things. [[1](https://www.arsenal.com/news/william-saliba-signs-new-contract)]
**Interviewer:** You’ve blossomed into a key player for Arsenal since returning from your loan spells. How would you describe your journey since joining the club in 2019?
**William Saliba:** It definitely wasn’t an easy path. Those loan spells were crucial for my development. They allowed me to gain valuable experience and confidence. Coming back to Arsenal and finding a place in the starting lineup has been a dream come true. The fans have been incredible, and I want to repay their support with my performances on the pitch.
**Interviewer:** Arsenal has been a top contender in the Premier League over the past two seasons. What are your ambitions for the future with the club?
**William Saliba:** We’ve come close to winning the title, but we need to take that extra step. We have a talented squad, a great manager, and an amazing fanbase. I believe we can win trophies and achieve great things together. My goal is to be a part of a successful Arsenal team for many years to come.
