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WILLIAM SALIBA has provided Arsenal with a considerable boost by committing to a long-term future at the club.
The 23-year-old centre-back has become the main summer target for Real Madrid.
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Nevertheless, the French defender remarked: “I feel at home here.”
“I joined the club five years ago, but this is only my third season, and I’m enjoying everything — from the players and staff to the fans.”
When queried during an Arsenal in the Community event at Ashmount Primary School in Islington about the possibility of a long-term stay at the Emirates, Saliba replied: “Yeah, absolutely.”
Arsenal paid £27 million to secure the then 18-year-old from Saint-Etienne in July 2019, loaning him back shortly thereafter.
After additional loan spells at Nice and Marseille, the 6ft 3in Frenchman has now tallied 102 appearances under Mikel Arteta, establishing himself as one of the premier defenders globally.
A loyal Arsenal fan, he signed a new four-year contract with the club last summer.
Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti’s European champions are currently facing a defensive injury dilemma.
Former Bernabeu defender Rafael Alkorta, 56, expressed admiration: “I admire Saliba, and I would definitely sign him.”
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In the meantime, the Gunners aim to close the gap to four points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool with a victory against Fulham on Sunday.
Saliba’s defensive teammates Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori are currently undergoing fitness checks.
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Defenders Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu will remain unavailable due to injuries.
Arsenal will also miss frontman Reiss Nelson as Fulham is unable to play the loanee against his parent club.
