William Saliba private stance on Real Madrid transfer emerges after Arsenal commitment

William Saliba has told Arsenal in 'private' that he wants to stay at the club amid interest from Real Madrid.

The 23-year-old has become an integral part of Mikel Arteta's squad since returning from a successful loan spell at Marseille at the end of the 2021/22 season. He has made 38 appearances for the Gunners this term, including 26 in the Premier League where they boast the best defensive record.

Speaking in a press conference ahead of Arsenal's Champions League round of 16 second leg tie against PSV Eindhoven, Saliba reaffirmed his commitment to the Gunners and admitted he has no plans to leave the Emirates Stadium. "I want to win big things with Arsenal," Saliba said.

"If you leave this club without winning anything the fans will forget about you. I want to win big things here."

Now, it has been revealed that Saliba has confirmed to Arsenal in private that he would like to stick put for the long-term, despite significant interest from Real. Los Blancos have been linked with a move for the France international as they look to strengthen their defensive unit.

Issuing an update on Saliba's future on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano said: "William Saliba at Arsenal; a fantastic player, a fantastic defender.

"What he wanted to clarify in his press conference before the game against PSV Eindhoven is really important for Arsenal to understand the situation.

"Saliba said first of all that we are not in talks over a new deal, we had many reports that negotiations started. Negotiations didn't start but there is still two-and-a-half years left on his contract at Arsenal. It's also important that Saliba said he wanted to continue here and that is the message he is sending in public but also in private.

"He's telling Arsenal not to panic because we had many reports about Real Madrid. Someone internally at Real Madrid see Saliba as the Bellingham of the defenders. So, they consider Saliba as a fantastic player and it's a fantastic opportunity. He is out of contract in 2027 but it's not something that is being negotiated now.

"Real Madrid are not negotiating with Saliba, Real Madrid have not approached Arsenal and Saliba has sent a very clear message.

"Also, for Mikel Arteta and the new director Andrea Berta, Saliba is considered as an absolutely crucial player for the project, they want to win things; Arteta, Saliba and Berta are all together in this project.

"William Saliba is needed and the Arsenal message is very clear, they want to keep Saliba and forget about an easy story for Saliba to Real Madrid in the summer."