Arsenal's Best Player Issues a Harsh Statement to Real Madrid

William Saliba confirms his commitment to Arsenal, denies rumors of a move to Real Madrid, and emphasizes his current goal is to win titles with the "Gunners" rather than consider leaving.

Central defender William Saliba recently spoke candidly about his future amid ongoing speculation linking him to Real Madrid. The French star affirmed his full dedication to Arsenal and stressed his ambition to secure trophies with the London club before contemplating any other destination.

In an interview with the program Téléfoot (France), the defender stated: “Of course, it’s tempting when a club like Real Madrid shows interest. But for me, the most important thing right now is to stay at Arsenal, continue developing, and help the team win titles. I want to achieve success here before thinking about anything else.”

Another intriguing aspect of the Saliba-Real Madrid story is his connection with Kylian Mbappe. Both players came through the AS Bondy academy, a renowned football academy in the Paris suburbs. When Mbappe moved to Real Madrid mid-year, French and Spanish media quickly speculated about a potential "Bondy reunion" at the Bernabeu.

However, Saliba dismissed this possibility: “No, no, our Bondy connection is only within the French national team for now, at least.”

Since joining Arsenal and becoming a key player under coach Mikel Arteta, Saliba has swiftly proven himself as one of the Premier League’s top center-backs. In the 2025 season, the 24-year-old has maintained consistent form, appearing in 12 matches across all competitions and helping the "Gunners" keep 9 clean sheets, providing a solid foundation for Arsenal’s rise to the top of the league table.

His impressive performances have attracted Real Madrid’s attention, a club always on the lookout for young defensive talents. Spanish media have repeatedly claimed that coach Xabi Alonso views Saliba as a long-term addition to the royal club’s defense.

Saliba’s remarks demonstrate the maturity and confidence of a player increasingly becoming Arsenal’s defensive leader. With Arteta aiming high in both the Premier League and Champions League, the stability and loyalty of key players like Saliba form the foundation for the "Gunners" to aspire to return to their golden era.