William Saliba has expressed his happiness at Arsenal and his desire to win major trophies with the club. With just two years remaining on his contract at the end of this season, the 23-year-old defender has been linked with a potential move to Real Madrid but remains calm about his contract situation.
“I’m really happy here,” Saliba said. “I’ve been here for two and a half years. There is nothing [to worry about]. I’m happy here, and I want to continue here. I want to win big things with Arsenal. If you leave this club without winning anything, the fans will forget about you. I want to win big things here.”
Regarding his contract negotiations, Saliba confirmed that no talks have taken place yet, adding, “Not yet. Because, yes, we have some years [to go]. So there is no rush at the minute. I’m happy here. That’s it.”
Saliba also revealed his ambition to become the best defender in the world. While he acknowledged that he has room for improvement, he praised his centre-back partner Gabriel for his excellent performances this season.
“I want to be one day the best defender in the world,” Saliba said. “I know I have to work a lot and win trophies as well – but that’s my dream. I think I am not so far, but I am not the best at the moment because, for me, this season I have not been so good. I have to review my season, I have to work on my game.”
Saliba admitted that Gabriel has been performing better this season, adding, “I have to watch especially my partner, Gabriel, who has been so, so good this season. There are a few [defenders] better than me, but of course, I have to focus on myself and work more.”
The French defender noted areas where he aims to improve, including concentration and scoring more goals. He said, “I have to score more and help my team more to win trophies. When you win trophies, you can say you’re the best. We didn’t win and this season I have not helped my team a lot to win trophies, but we are still in the Champions League, and the Premier League is not finished. So I have to push, to demand more of myself to help my team.”