The Frenchman is a key player for club and country and has virtually played every minute when fully fit over the past couple of seasons for the Gunners.
Saliba signed an extension at Arsenal last year and is tied down at the club until the summer of 2027.
However, that hasn’t stopped other clubs from keeping tabs on him.
TBR Football revealed exclusively that Real Madrid are firm admirers of Saliba and have watched him on a number of occasions in recent months.
And now, Charles Watts has delivered an interesting update on what could be going through the player’s mind amid links with the La Liga giants.
Charles Watts says Arsenal defender William Saliba is unlikely to be a one-club man
William Saliba of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Emirates Stadium on Augu...
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Writing in Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing, Watts believes Saliba’s short-term future very much lies at Arsenal despite interest from Real Madrid as he signed a contract extension last year.
Speaking specifically about Los Blancos’ interest, Watts said: “William Saliba’s name is constantly being mentioned in the same breath as Real Madrid.
“That’s been the case for the past couple of years and it’s going to continue to be the case going forward.
“And that’s no real surprise is it? Because let’s face it, he’s the best young centre-back in the world. To be honest, there’s a pretty strong argument to say that he is already the best centre-back in the world full stop.”
While remains Saliba committed to Arsenal’s project, Watts admits there could come a time in his career when he decides to take on a new challenge.
“I’ll be perfectly honest and admit that I don’t see Saliba being a one-club man. He’s not come through the ranks at Arsenal. He may have followed them as a boy in France, but he doesn’t have an undying loyalty towards them.
“So I’m sure at some point he will want to try something new and when that time comes he will no doubt have the pick of which top club to join.”
Watts also feels Edu would be best advised to begin talks with Saliba over a new long-term contract as the French international has firmly cemented his status as one of the best defenders in world football.
“If I was Edu though, I would already be putting in the groundwork when it comes to Saliba’s next contract.
“Because the pace of his rise towards the very top of the game demands that Arsenal have to keep up.”
Losing Saliba could be catastrophic for Arsenal
Jamie Carragher feels Saliba is showing shades of a young Virgil van Dijk, which is high praise considering the Liverpool man is one of the best defenders of his generation.
The biggest example yet of the 23-year-old’s importance to Arsenal came in the 2022-23 campaign when he was actually out injured.
The Gunners were favorites to win the Premier League but dropped a lot of points in Saliba’s absence as Manchester City snatched the title away from their grasp.
Arsenal are blessed with several top-quality defenders but Saliba’s place in the team is as assured as it can be, which is a testament to his quality.
Losing him would set Mikel Arteta’s project back significantly, so Arsenal must do everything they can to keep Saliba at the club.
However, the Gunners must start winning trophies soon to prove that they can match Saliba’s ambitions.
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