Arsenal FC defender William Saliba has admitted that there was a possibility for him to leave Arsenal for Real Madrid before he signed a contract extension in September.
Saliba touched on the subject in an interview with French media Tele Foot in the aftermath of signing a five year contract extension.
The 24 year French defender was reportedly targeted by Real Madrid in part to reunite him with Kylian Mbappe; the pair played together at the youth level at AS Bondy but Saliba communicated his commitment to Arsenal by saying,
“Of course, it’s always tempting when a club like that [Real Madrid] tries to lure you, but for me, [my desire] was to stay at Arsenal. First, win trophies, before thinking about anything else.”
“No, no, the Bondy connection [with Kylian Mbappe] is with the French national team, for now” Saliba said according to Football London.
Saliba’s responses have stirred up concerns among Arsenal fans over his future at the London club.
Saliba has been integral in Arsenal’s brilliant defensive performance to lead the English Premier League standings. The Gunners have scored 18 goals and conceded just three.
