William Saliba has opened up on his reason for turning down a ‘very tempting’ offer to join Real Madrid this summer.
The Arsenal centre-half has become a cornerstone of an ever improving side that has established itself as a genuine 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 first team opportunity.
The France international signed a new long-term contract back in September which put to bed any suggestion that he could be convinced to join Real Madrid.
Asked to explain why he was able to reject the Spanish giants, Saliba told ‘Of course it’s really tempting when a club like that is interested in you.
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‘But I wanted to win titles at Arsenal first before thinking about anything else.’
Despite Arsenal’s continued progress under Arteta, major silverware has continued to elude them.
After a fantastic start 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 have 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 have to think it’s very early in the season. We’ve played 10 (league) games in the season, so it’s a lot of football to be played
‘We are only just starting in November, so obviously it’s nice to be there (at the top of the league) and to have those points.
‘But we have to focus on ourselves, focus game by game and in the present.
‘It’s incredible, not just the defence, I think it’s a collective achievement, if you want to put it that way.
‘It starts from the striker, finishing with the goalkeeper. So, it’s just incredible to have that work rate from everyone, trying to shut teams down and not concede that many chances, not concede anything.
‘And that’s just credit to everyone. So, it’s incredible to have that achievement.’
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