Arsenal will be confident of retaining players under Mikel Arteta as the manager continues to impress.
Arteta’s life as Arsenal manager hasn’t always been so clear, as the Spaniard struggled when he first arrived at the Emirates.
The former player led the Gunners to consecutive eighth-place finishes and a fifth-place finish before announcing his squad as Premier League title contenders.
As a result of the attractive project on offer, gone are the days when Arsenal were seen as a stepping stone to greater success however, there is some concern over one player’s future.
- READ MORE: Transfer rumour has presented Arsenal with opportunity Arteta can’t miss despite contract decision
Arsenal told what to do to keep William Saliba away from Real Madrid
With great form comes admiration, and William Saliba is the latest one of Arteta’s stars to generate attention.
It’s been reported that Real Madrid want to sign Saliba, with the centre-back said to be regarded as the Galactico’s priority target in the near future.
While Arsenal are relaxed about interest in Saliba, the Gunners have been advised to do two things to ensure that the defender remains in North London.
“Winning and being successful is a great way of keeping players, so Arsenal have to achieve that because Saliba is playing to the level of being a Real Madrid player,” Tony Cascarino explained on talkSPORT.
“He’s got to be convinced that Arsenal are going to be challenging to win the Champions League,” the pundit said before suggesting another tactic that could help Saliba stay.
“Arsenal have got a problem so they’re going to have to put something in. They’ve got him under contract, they might have to throw another new deal at him.
“It’s going to be a problem, but that’s great for Arsenal as a football club because it shows that they’re being successful. A club like Real Madrid want one of their players.”
Silverware is crucial for Mikel Arteta for several reasons
Of course, financial rewards can help to keep a player motivated at a club however, the biggest offer is to be competing at the highest level.
It’s incredibly rare that a player rejects a side like Real Madrid, who can offer both with near certainty, being the kings of the Champions League.
Arteta missed out on the Premier League in the previous two seasons, putting slight pressure to win the title this campaign to measure progression with silverware.
Cascarino’s comments ring true, as Champions League success is what every player wants in Europe, giving the manager an additional challenge, not just to keep his players but to attract those to Arsenal in the future.
It will be interesting to see if Real Madrid decide to formally approach the Gunners in the near future over Saliba’s availability, emphasising the importance of winning big this term.
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