William Saliba responds to ‘best in the world’ claim ahead of Arsenal v PSG game
'I think I am one of the best...'
William Saliba has responded to claims he’s the best centre-back in the world ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League showdown against PSG.
The Gunners host the French champions in the first leg of their semi-final clash on Tuesday as they look to continue their push for this season’s title.
The Champions League is Arsenal’s last opportunity of landing silverware in 2024-25 having missed out on the Premier League trophy to Liverpool.
Arsenal have never won the Champions League before but impressively eliminated Real Madrid in the last eight, beating them home and away.
In order to triumph over PSG in the semi-finals, they will need star defenderSaliba at his very best.
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In the build-up to the first leg, it has been suggested that the 24-year-old Frenchman is the best centre-back on the planet at this moment in time.
Saliba has played down the label, though, telling Téléfoot: ‘I think I am one of the best, but not yet the best defender in the world. I can still become much better one day, I hope to improve.’
Saliba has massively shined since breaking into the Arsenal XI and has been one of their best players across the last three seasons.
He has formed a key partnership with fellow centre-back Gabriel Magalhães, with Saliba now being linked with a move to Real Madrid.
Real Madrid have long admired Saliba and were keeping tabs on him when he was still at French side Saint-Etienne before his Arsenal breakthrough.
Real Madrid ‘have kept a positive relationship’ with Saliba’s entourage ahead of a possible transfer approach in the summer.
If Saliba’s price tag is too high at the end of the season, Real Madrid may look to deploy their usual transfer strategy by discreetly staying close to him and preparing a move in 2026 for an affordable amount – when he has 12 months left on his deal – or even the following summer as a free agent.
Former England manager Fabio Capello makes Arsenal vs PSG prediction
Former England boss Fabio Capello is backing Arsenal to eliminate PSG and reach this season’s Champions League final.
‘Arsenal have it all: quality, balance on the pitch and good physical condition, like PSG at the moment,’ Capello said.
‘From that point of view, both teams are equal.
‘But I think Arsenal have something extra right now: quality and physical strength.’
Arsenal last reached the Champions League final in 2006, when they finished as runners-up to Barcelona.
Meanwhile, Arsenal reached the Women’s Champions League final this weekend with a 4-1 second leg semi-final win over Lyon Feminin.
