Arsenal star William Saliba is interesting for Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, but the Frenchman has now spoken about where he sees his immediate future
William Saliba has given Arsenal fans a huge boost by revealing that he is in conversation about a new contract while the Gunners are preparing for another Premier League title. The French defender is one of the most sought after centerbacks in world football, with people like Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain who monitors his situation.
But the 23-year-old has made it clear that he wants to stay in North London and play a key role in the urge to glory of Mikel Arteta. Asked if he will sign a new deal, Saliba said: “Yes, hopefully. Of course there is nothing now, but there is a good conversation with my agent and the club. Let's look.”
It follows a series of extensions in Arsenal, where Saliba's central defending partner Gabriel signed a new five -year contract in May. Young people Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri also commit their future in the long term to the club and star player Bukayo Saka is also in line for new conditions, because he also has two years about his current deal.
Saliba spoke after Arsenal completed the Singapore stage of their Asian tour with a 3-2 victory over Newcastle, who had also defeated AC Milan. The Gunners are now going to Hong Kong to stand against fierce Rivals Tottenham on Thursday.
The International of France is enthusiastic about the direction the team is going, especially after the club has signed six new players this summer. Viktor Gyokees joined the team to view Sunday's victory, and could follow more, with Crystal Palace game maker Ebereechi Eze a strong target.
“Every year is different,” he added. “We have to learn the last three seasons. Of course we are lucky that we have the chance to compete again in the Premier League and try to win.
“Our way of thinking is to win the Premier League and we will give everything from the first game. We have many new players and hopefully they will help us win this competition.
“The pressure is good, that means that we are in a good place. We have to continue like this. If we are not good, we're not busy, so it's good. We play football to be busy.”
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Saliba was also blown away by the talent of two 15-year-olds, Max Dowman and Marli Salmon, who trained with the team on tour and played in both games so far.
“They are incredible. They are young, so we don't have to put pressure on them, but to play the way they play at 3 pm! I remember that when I was 15, I didn't play with the first team.
“I was at the U-17s, so it's good. We have to protect them and give them support, but of course they are really good players, and I hope they will help us as soon as possible.”