Arsenal's William Saliba Told What To Do To Earn Big Real Madrid Move
by by Gariba Raubil · YEN.com.gh News · Join- Julio Baptista urges French defender William Saliba to win a trophy with Arsenal before considering a move to Real Madrid
- Saliba has become one of the best in the world and played a key role in Arsenal’s 5-1 UCL aggregate win over Madrid
- Despite his growing reputation, Baptista believes Saliba should focus on becoming a champion with Arsenal
PAY ATTENTION: Follow YEN's WhatsApp channel for a daily dose of breaking news on the go!
Former Real Madrid and Arsenal midfielder Julio Baptista has shared his thoughts on William Saliba's potential move to the Spanish giants, urging the French defender to focus on winning silverware with Arsenal before considering a switch to the Santiago Bernabéu.
The teammate of Thomas Partrey is the subject of widespread transfer speculations, with the Spanish giants said to be interested in bringing the highly-rated Premier League defender to Santiago Bernebeu next season.
Source: Getty Images
William Saliba on the rise
The former OGC Nice defender has emerged as one of the most promising central defenders in Europe, playing a pivotal role in Arsenal’s defensive resurgence under Mikel Arteta.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Instagram - get the most important news directly in your favourite app!
The 24-year-old has formed a rock-solid partnership with Brazilian Gabriel Magalhães, helping Arsenal mount consistent title challenges domestically and in Europe.
Source: Getty Images
These rumours gained more traction after Arsenal’s emphatic 5-1 aggregate victory over Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.
The Bondy-born center-back stood out with commanding displays in both legs against the 15-time UEFA Champions League winners, with Carlo Ancelotti tipping Arsenal to win this season's competition.
Baptista on Saliba's Consistency
Speaking to FootItalia.com, Baptista was asked whether he believed Saliba could eventually wear the famous white shirt of Real Madrid.
The Brazilian was full of praise for the young centre-back but cautioned that reaching the standards expected at Los Blancos requires more than just flashes of brilliance.
“A lot has changed for players now. Before you get to a huge club like Real Madrid, you need to show more. It's not like five, ten games to show what you can do. You need to be one of the best players in the world season after season to earn the respect and the interest of a club like Real Madrid,” Baptista stated.
The ex-Brazil international also acknowledged Saliba’s quality, saying:
“There is no doubt that he is one of the world’s best CBs. He’s been a big part of Arsenal’s improvement over the years and has formed a formidable partnership alongside Gabriel.”
Trophies First, Transfer Later
While Baptista admitted the potential of seeing Saliba in Madrid’s colours, he stressed that the defender’s priority should be on achieving success with his current club.
“I would like to see him lift a trophy with Arsenal before he leaves,” Baptista said. “If Saliba can keep showing that he has incredible quality, maybe we’ll see Real Madrid coming for him in the future, but he should only be thinking about winning trophies and becoming a champion with Arsenal at the moment.”
Courtois Unhappy with Real Madrid's Tactics vs Arsenal
YEN.com.gh earlier reported Thibaut Courtois' heatrbroken reaction to Real Madrid's back-to-back UEFA Champions League quarter-finals defeats to Arsenal, with the ex-Chelsea goalkeeper questioning his team's strategy.
The Belgian custodian, who conceded five goals against the Gunners over the legs, including two Declan Rice free-kicks, bemoaned Madrid's long ball approach as Arsenal dominated Los Blancos in almost all aspects of the clash.
New feature: Сheck out news that is picked for YOU ➡️ click on “Recommended for you” and enjoy!
Source: YEN.com.gh