William Saliba explains decision to sign new Arsenal contract and snub Real Madrid despite 'lacking trophies' with the Gunners

William Saliba explained his decision to sign a new Arsenal contract and snub Real Madrid despite "lacking trophies" with the Gunners. The French defender could have chased the bright lights of Madrid. He could have swapped north London for the glamour of the Santiago Bernabeu. But when Los Blancos came knocking, Arsenal’s defensive powerhouse slammed the door shut; and he has no regrets.

Saliba: The French rock who turned down Real’s call

In a world where loyalty is rare, Saliba’s decision sent a clear message: his heart belongs to Arsenal. Before penning his new deal, the 24-year-old defender had just 18 months left on his contract, and Los Blancos were circling like hawks. However, Arsenal’s hierarchy moved fast. Sporting director Andrea Berta, who also played a key role in tying down Gabriel Magalhaes and young gems like Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, treated this renewal like a mission of national importance. The result? A massive win for the Gunners. The CIES Football Observatory now lists Saliba as Arsenal’s most valuable asset, worth between €89m and €103m (£77m/$103m–£89m/$119m). A staggering figure for a player for whom Arsenal spent just £27m ($36m) in 2019. 

AdvertisementAFP‘i feel at home here’ – Saliba’s heartfelt confession

For Saliba, the decision wasn’t about money or fame. It was about belonging.

"I wanted to continue at Arsenal because I feel at home there […] I wanted to settle there in the long term," he told reporters.

Despite Arsenal’s resurgence under Arteta, major silverware has eluded them since the 2020 FA Cup triumph. For Saliba, that drought burns deep. 

“I’m lacking trophies but they will come quickly because we have a good manager and a good squad,” he insisted. 

However, his determination is fuelled by unfinished business. While players like Trent Alexander-Arnold have traded the Premier League for Madrid after lifting multiple trophies, the Arsenal defender says he can’t leave empty-handed. 

"He won some titles with Liverpool," he said. "Me, I didn't win anything here except… only the Community Shield, so yeah. I've done nothing for this club to think about leaving. I want to stay here and win a lot of trophies. I love this club. I cannot leave this club without giving them something back. I‘ve won nothing. So, yeah, my first choice was to stay here and win everything first."

It’s a statement that will delight Arsenal fans and underline the culture Arteta has built: one of hunger, loyalty, and accountability.

Saliba's new deal promises a massive wage hike

Saliba’s consistency over the past two seasons has made him untouchable in Arteta’s system. The manager's trust in him is total, and so is the club’s investment. The Frenchman’s new deal reportedly earns him £250,000 a week, making him the third-highest-paid player at the Emirates, behind Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz. Arsenal’s wage bill has climbed to £328m ($438m) per year, with seven stars now earning £200k or more weekly, including summer signing Viktor Gyokeres. But the board see it as money well spent, a statement of intent from a club ready to challenge for everything.

However, Saliba's journey hasn’t been a fairy tale. When Arteta took over in December 2019, the young centre-back was cast aside, loaned out three times to Saint-Etienne, Nice, and Marseille. But instead of sulking, he fought.

"Arteta was straight to me," he said. "The first week he told me that for him I was not ready to play. He told me this. I was training and I was playing with the Under 21s. At the end of December, he told me that it was better for me to go on loan rather than stay here and not play. I was angry because I needed to play.

"He sent me on loan and I was in touch with (then sporting director) Edu when he was here. He was talking with my agent. After the first loan, he said we needed one more loan. I didn't give up and now I'm here in front of you playing for Arsenal. I didn't give up and now I'm here in front of you playing for Arsenal."

GettySaliba chasing glory, but only in north London

As he prepares for France’s World Cup qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Iceland, Saliba knows his heart beats red and white. He isn’t chasing glory abroad; he’s building it in London. In an era of short-term loyalty and quick exits, Saliba’s commitment is refreshing. And if his words are anything to go by, he won’t stop until that heartbeat echoes under the confetti of a Premier League or Champions League title.