Former Arsenal and Real Madrid player, Julio Baptista has heaped praise on Arsenal defender William Saliba but explained that the centre-back must “earn a move” to Real Madrid by winning trophies at Arsenal.
Baptista recently expressed his notion on Saliba amid rumours linking the center back on a move to the Santiago Bernabeu. The Brazilian explained that the Frenchman must prove himself worthy of a transfer to Madrid by helping Arsenal winning major trophies through his consistency as one of the best defenders in the world.
In his recent interview with footitalia.com, Baptista was asked if he thought Saliba would join Real Madrid one day.
Baptista replied: “A lot has changed for players now. Before you get to a huge club like Real Madrid, you need to show more of yourself. It’s not like five, ten games to show what you can do. You need to be one of the best players in the world season after season to earn the respect and the interest of a club like Real Madrid. I think for Saliba, there is no doubt that he is one of the world’s best CBs. He’s been a big part of Arsenal’s improvement over the years and has formed a formidable partnership alongside Gabriel, but I would like to see him lift a trophy with Arsenal before he leaves. If Saliba can keep showing that he has incredible quality, maybe we’ll see Real Madrid coming for him in the future, but he should only be thinking about winning trophies and becoming a champion with Arsenal at the moment.”
According to a report from Spanish outlets, Madrid president Florentino Perez admire Saliba and wish to make him the next Galactico of his defence, which will require an overhaul in the near future.
However, with two of Real Madrid’s three central defenders—Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba who is now over 30, and 26-year-old Éder Militão recovering from two consecutive ACL injuries, the club is assessing its long-term options at the back. Although no move is expected this summer, reports suggest Los Blancos may target William Saliba next year or potentially wait until his contract expires in 2027 to secure him on a free transfer.
The 24-year-old Saliba impressed on Wednesday night, playing a key role in Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Madrid at the Bernabéu, sealing a 5-1 aggregate win to send the Gunners into the Champions League semi-finals. Arsenal are set to return to domestic action on Sunday, April 20, with an away trip to Ipswich Town.
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