William Saliba has opened up on his reason for turning down a ‘very tempting’ offer to hitch Real Madrid this summer.
The Arsenal centre-half has grow to be a cornerstone of an ever improving side that has established itself as a real force to be reckoned with under Mikel Areta.
Saliba was forced to bide his time to cement his place in Arteta’s plans and went out on loan on three separate occasions before he was given a primary team opportunity.
The France international signed a brand new long-term contract back in September which put to bed any suggestion that he could possibly be convinced to hitch Real Madrid.
Asked to clarify why he was capable of reject the Spanish giants, Saliba told ‘In fact it’s really tempting when a club like that’s considering you.
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‘But I desired to win titles at Arsenal first before fascinated about the rest.’
Despite Arsenal’s continued progress under Arteta, major silverware has continued to elude them.
After a unbelievable begin to the season, underpinned by an astonishing defensive record, the Gunners look well placed to finally end their wait for a Premier League title.
‘We’ve got to think game by game,’ said goalkeeper David Raya, who has conceded just twice from open play this season, after Saturday’s 2-0 win at Burnley.
We’ve got to think it’s very early within the season. We’ve played 10 [league] games within the season, so it’s numerous football to be played
‘We’re only just starting in November, so obviously it’s nice to be there [at the top of the league] and to have those points.
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‘But we have now to deal with ourselves, focus game by game and in the current.
‘It’s incredible, not only the defence, I believe it’s a collective achievement, if you desire to put it that way.
‘It starts from the striker, ending with the goalkeeper. So, it’s just incredible to have that work rate from everyone, attempting to shut teams down and never concede that many probabilities, not concede anything.
‘And that’s just credit to everyone. So, it’s incredible to have that achievement.’
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