William Saliba says extending his contract at Arsenal was an easy decision because he wanted to “settle in for the long term” and believes the club’s project under Mikel Arteta will bring success.
Speaking at France’s Clairefontaine training base ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan, the 24-year-old defender discussed his future, his ambitions with France, and his growing maturity at both club and international level.
“It was easy to extend,” Saliba said of the deal he signed recently, which runs until 2030. “I wanted to continue with Arsenal. I feel at home there. What is missing is the trophies, but there is a good project and a good coach.
“I wanted to settle in for the long term. I am happy and I hope that there will be a lot of success in the next few years.”
Saliba’s influence at Arsenal has grown steadily since his breakthrough into the first team after successive loan spells in France. He is now one of Arteta’s most important players, forming the foundation of a defence that has become one of the strongest in Europe.
On international duty, Saliba was equally composed, addressing France’s motivation ahead of their upcoming fixtures and the prospect of facing old rivals such as Spain or Argentina at next year’s World Cup in the United States.
“It’s easy to motivate yourself because there is no easy match in selection,” he said. “We have to beat everyone to qualify quickly for the World Cup. We can’t wait to be there, we have to qualify. There is nothing more beautiful than this competition.”
When asked about France’s potential opponents, Saliba was characteristically calm but confident. “The World Cup is eight months away. What differentiates us from Spain and Argentina is that they won the big competitions before the 2022 World Cup and the Euros. But they don’t scare us.”
Saliba also reflected on the new generation of French players taking over from the 2018 World Cup winners. “This is a new generation of the French team, there are not many 2018 world champions left. If we want the new generation to be known, we have to win trophies.”
Competition for places remains fierce, with Dayot Upamecano, Ibrahima Konaté, and Lucas Hernandez among those battling for starting roles. “We are lucky to have very good central defenders,” Saliba said. “We all want to play full-time, the competition makes us better. If I want to play again, I have to be good.”
He also praised young midfielder Manu Koné and winger Michael Olise. “Manu, I’ve known him since I was young. He’s a very good player. It’s good to see him win and I hope he continues. Olise is one of the technical leaders, he brings a little madness. Technically he is above average. He’s nonchalant, funny in the locker room, a good guy.”
“We have to qualify for the World Cup and try to go there to win it,” he said.
And for Arsenal, he made his intentions clear – he has no plans to go anywhere.