Mikel Arteta on William Saliba's future amid Real Madrid rumours

A significant component of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, rumours of a move to Real Madrid sum up William Saliba’s trajectory since joining the club.

Saliba signed for the Gunners on a permanent deal in 2019, but would serve three separate loan spells at Ligue 1 clubs Saint-Etienne, Nice and Marseille.

Impressing in his final loan spell at Marseille where he was named Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year, the central defender would return and immediately become a part of Arteta’s plans ahead of the 2022/23 Premier League campaign.

Just shy of three years later and Saliba’s consistent and high-level performances mean very few are surprised to hear about a potential move to Real Madrid following the conclusion of the 2024/25 term.

However, Arsenal boss Arteta has emphasised Saliba’s position at Arsenal.

In a press conference the Friday before the Gunners host Bournemouth, Arteta said: “Those kinds of things are more for Andrea (Berta) and the club to talk about.

What I’m certain, because I had the conversation with him, is that he is so happy here, that he wants to continue with us and what will happen in the future with our negotiations and things that have to take time and process and be on top of them.

“But, I’m quite confident that William is very happy here, and this is the place that he wants to be.”

Arteta’s confession that Saliba is happy at the Emirates will no doubt be music to the ears of Arsenal fans, who has proven to be one of the club’s top performers in recent years.

A third successive year at the heart of the Arsenal defence is unlikely to warrant any silverware, having suffered a first leg defeat to PSG in the UEFA Champions League.

However, the Gunners have remained competitive and will likely remain in contention for the top honours in the 2025/26 term.

Ellis Statham

• Arsenal F.C.
• Premier League
• • 
  •