‘That’s my dream’ – William Saliba reveals personal ambition amid Real Madrid links

William Saliba says he wants to become the best defender in the world, coupling his personal ambition with a desire to win trophies with Arsenal.

Saliba is already regarded as one of world football’s best centre-backs and his continued outstanding form has piqued the interest of Real Madrid as the 15-time Champions League winners look to evolve their backline.

Ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League last 16 second leg against PSV Eindhoven, however, Saliba firmly put an end to the speculation by publicly stressing his wish to continue with Arsenal for the foreseeable future.

Merely remaining an Arsenal player is not enough for Saliba, who went on to confess his desire to etch his name into Gunners folklore by leading the club to major silverware.

“I want to win big things with Arsenal,” he said. “If you leave this club without winning anything, the fans will forget about you. I want to win big things here.”

On top of winning trophies, Saliba, who was on the books at Arsenal when they lifted the 2019/20 FA Cup but was out on loan with Saint-Etienne at the time, hopes to establish himself as the gold standard when it comes to defenders.

“I like being a colossus,” Saliba said. “I want to be the best defender in the world, one day. I know I have to work a lot and to win trophies as well, but that’s my dream.

“I think I am not so far [from the best], but I am not the best at the moment because, for me, this season I have not been so good. I have to review my season, I have to work on my game. I have to watch my partner, Gabriel, who has been so good this season.”