LONDON, ENGLAND — Arsenal have been warned that William Saliba would jump at the chance to join Real Madrid. The centre-back is still attracting significant interest despite being yet to play this season due to injury.
The 25-year-old French international played a leading role in helping Mikel Arteta’s side lift the Premier League title last season. Arsenal will hope he has a similar impact this term.
Return to Action
TEAMtalk revealed earlier this week that the Gunners are confident Saliba could return to the fold this month. His rehabilitation from a chronic back problem is going better than expected.
However, ex-Arsenal defender William Gallas believes that if Real Madrid were to come in, Saliba would be very interested in taking on that challenge.
Gallas’ Assessment
“Are Arsenal at a high enough level now that William Saliba would turn down Real Madrid if they came in for him?” Gallas said, speaking to SeatPick.
“I know a lot of people will be mad about what I’m going to say right now. But if we are talking about the history of both clubs, Real Madrid and Arsenal, then Real Madrid is Real Madrid. They are on a different level.
“The pressure is bigger there. The atmosphere around the club is different. Every game, the fans expect you to win. Every game, the fans expect you to have a great performance. Every season, the fans expect you to win La Liga or to win the Champions League, so it’s a different level.”
Arsenal Still ‘Behind’ Real Madrid
While Arsenal enjoyed tremendous success last season, winning the Premier League and reaching the Champions League final, Gallas still thinks Real Madrid is a more appealing destination.
“For me, even if their performances at the moment are not the best, and even if they haven’t won the biggest trophies recently, Madrid is Madrid. I’m telling you, any player who has the opportunity to go to Madrid, they will try to go there. You can’t blame them. You couldn’t blame a player like Saliba if that is his decision,” Gallas added.
The Top Tier of Clubs
Gallas listed the clubs he considers to be at the very top.
“How many clubs are there who are really at the very top, on the roof? You’ve got Barcelona, you’ve got Real Madrid, and then you’ve now got PSG because they have won the Champions League two times in a row. They have shown everyone that they are the best club in Europe right now.
“Arsenal and Manchester United? They are still behind Barcelona and Real Madrid. Even Manchester United still to this day because they have such a big history. I know over the last few years they have not looked the same.
“When Sir Alex Ferguson was there, it was completely different. I remember in 1996, 1997, 1998 I used to watch Manchester United play and they were at the top. They were on the roof. Manchester United was so big, so strong, but now it’s completely different.
“That’s why I think now with clubs like Arsenal, even if they had a good history in the past, what they are doing right now is rebuilding. They are trying to tell their story again, and they are on the right track, but they are still behind Barcelona and Real Madrid.”
What This Means
Gallas’ comments highlight the challenge Arsenal face in keeping their best players. Real Madrid remains a powerful lure for top footballers.
For Arsenal, the focus will be on convincing Saliba that his future lies at the Emirates Stadium. The club will also need to continue building a team capable of competing for the biggest trophies.
What Happens Next
Saliba is expected to return to action this month. Arsenal will be hoping he can help them in their title defence and Champions League campaign.
For now, the focus is on the current season. The coming months will reveal whether Saliba commits his long-term future to Arsenal.
