William Saliba has opened up on his reason for turning down a ‘very tempting’ offer to join Real Madrid this summer.

The Arsenal centre-half has become a cornerstone of an ever improving side that has established itself as a genuine force to be reckoned with under Mikel Areta.

Saliba was forced to bide his time to cement his place in Arteta’s plans and went out on loan on three separate occasions before he was given a first team opportunity.

The France international signed a new long-term contract back in September which put to bed any suggestion that he could be convinced to join Real Madrid.

Asked to explain why he was able to reject the Spanish giants, Saliba told ‘Of course it’s really tempting when a club like that is interested in you.

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