Saliba makes Real Madrid transfer admission with Kylian Mbappe message

William Saliba has addressed the transfer rumours which have linked him with a move to Real Madrid

Arsenal star William Saliba has spoken out about the speculation that repeatedly linked him with Real Madrid before he signed his fresh deal with the Gunners. Saliba has been amongst the most crucial players in the Arsenal squad for nearly three-and-a-half years, forming a formidable centre-back partnership alongside Gabriel Magalhaes.

The defender, who signed a new five-year deal at the Emirates Stadium in September, has featured 12 times for the Gunners across all competitions this season, sitting out just one Premier League fixture through injury in September.

Mikel Arteta's team have established themselves as frontrunners for the Premier League crown in the opening months of the campaign, with their defensive displays being a major factor behind their achievements.

Saliba has helped contribute to nine clean sheets for Arsenal this term, and it's precisely this kind of performance that has sparked whispers of a potential switch to Real Madrid, reports football.london.

The Spanish giants have consistently been linked with pursuing Saliba, with Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate also mentioned as a potential target. Now, the France international has addressed the rumours in a fresh interview.

Speaking to French media, Saliba acknowledged the reports connecting him with a switch to the Santiago Bernabeu but emphasised his dedication to Arsenal.

“Of course, it’s always tempting when a club like that tries to lure you, but for me, [my desire] was to stay at Arsenal," Saliba told Telefoot. "First, win trophies, before thinking about anything else."

Saliba, who plays alongside Mbappe for the French national team, has been linked with a move to Madrid due to their shared history at the AS Bondy academy. This connection has sparked rumours of a potential future move for Saliba.

However, Saliba has quashed these rumours, stating his current focus is solely on playing with Mbappe for France.

“No, no, the Bondy connection is with the French national team, for now," Saliba clarified when asked about the possibility of joining Mbappe at Madrid next season.

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