Marcel Desailly has backed William Saliba to eventually leave Arsenal for Real Madrid after naming the France international as the best centre-back in world football.
Saliba has developed into one of Arsenal's most important players and helped the Gunners end their long wait for the Premier League title last season.
The 25-year-old signed a new long-term contract in 2025, but Desailly believes a future move to the Santiago Bernabéu remains likely.
Desailly names Saliba the world’s best defender
Speaking to Sportscasting, Desailly was asked to name the best centre-back in world football.
The former Chelsea and France captain overlooked Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk and instead selected Saliba.
“Who do I think is the best centre-back in the world? It’s not Virgil van Dijk.
“I would put William Saliba there, even though he has some problems with his back. I think he’s in the conversation for the world’s best centre-back.”
— Marcel Desailly, Sportscasting
Desailly believes Van Dijk remains a top defender but argued the Dutchman is no longer as dominant in one-against-one situations as he was earlier in his career.
He also dismissed several other potential candidates before placing Saliba among the game’s defensive elite.
“Saliba is definitely one of the best ones. Gabriel is only there because of Saliba – so Gabriel, no, he’s not in the conversation.
“At Manchester United, there’s nothing. Chelsea, not at that level. Inter Milan, AC Milan, absolutely not.”
— Marcel Desailly, Sportscasting
The former France international believes Saliba’s consistency and ability to dominate individual battles separate him from most other defenders.
Real Madrid transfer still expected
Saliba was heavily linked with Real Madrid before signing a new Arsenal contract in the summer of 2025.
That agreement runs until 2030 and puts Arsenal in a strong position regarding the defender's future.
However, Desailly still expects his compatriot to play for the Spanish giants at some stage of his career.
"Yes, yes. I do expect William Saliba to one day wear the colours of Real Madrid.
"He's committed to Arsenal for the next, I don't know, four years. But he's young, so why not? The door is open, and all the best players want to play for Real Madrid at some point in their careers."
Desailly made clear that he does not expect an immediate transfer, with Saliba firmly committed to Arsenal for the foreseeable future.
"The door is open. But not now. Not now. He is the best central defender, so it is what it is today."
0 Comments
First read message
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *