William Saliba failed to quash reports of a move to Real Madrid when an Arsenal fan pleaded with the defender to remain at the Emirates Stadium. The Frenchman has been linked with a move to the Spanish capital in recent months.
Wide-ranging reports in Spain claim that Los Blancos are desperate to land Saliba as their No. 1 centre-back target in the coming years. The 23-year-old’s form with Arsenal has made him one of the most highly-rated defenders in Europe.
Saliba could seemingly not promise an Arsenal fan that he will remain in north London for many years to come. He was involved in an eye-opening exchange with the individual during the Gunners’ mid-season warm-weather training camp in Dubai.
Footage of the conversation has been shared on social media. The man asks Saliba to sign his Arsenal shirt before making a series of demands.
“Saliba, Champions League, please!” the fan said, with Saliba muttering back inaudibly.
The fan then pleads: “Never go [Real] Madrid!”
However, Saliba simply laughed and handed the man back his pen before saying: “Thank you.”
It was not the most convincing denial that the France international will snub any interest from Real in the future. However, Saliba certainly seems happy at the Emirates Stadium and is keen to engage with supporters.
Arsenal are expected to demand a world-record fee for a centre-back to part ways with Saliba. The record currently stands at the £80m Manchester United paid to sign Harry Maguire from Leicester in 2019.
But there might be some concern in north London that Saliba’s current deal expires in the summer of 2027. Players gain far more power over their futures when they enter the final two years of their contract.
Speaking in December, Saliba insisted that he feels comfortable at Arsenal and is prepared to extend his stay under Mikel Arteta. Asked about remaining at the Emirates Stadium, he said: “Yeah of course, I feel at home.
“I signed for the club five years ago but it’s only my third season and I’m enjoying everything – the players, the staff and the fans. I feel at home so of course, why not [stay]?”
An upturn in form has seen Arsenal establish themselves as the closest challengers to Liverpool in the Premier League. They are six points behind the Reds, who have a game in hand in the form of Wednesday’s Merseyside derby.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk