Mikel Arteta makes Arsenal stance on William Saliba clear amid Real Madrid interest

Real Madrid are talking up their interest in Arsenal centre back William Saliba but Mikel Arteta has said he is very confident that the France star is happy in north London

Mikel Arteta has said he is “very confident” that William Saliba will remain at Arsenal beyond this summer amid transfer interest from Real Madrid. Reports in Spain have linked Madrid with a move for the France centre-back but Arteta is sure that one of his star men is very happy in north London with Arsenal set to fend off any interest.

“I leave those kind of things more for Andrea (Berta) and the club to talk about. What I’m certain about because I have the conversation with him is that he’s so happy here, he wants to continue with us.

“What will happen in the future always is with negotiations something that takes time and process and to be on top of them. But I am confident William is very happy here and that’s the place he wants to be.”

Arteta has said that Kai Havertz could return for Arsenal before the end of the season in a huge injury boost for the Gunners.

The Germany forward has been out with a hamstring injury since January and it was initially believed he would be missing until the start of next season.

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But his recovery has gone well and Arteta reckons Havertz could be back later this month with Arsenal still dreaming of a Champions League final.

“I think so. If everything goes the way it’s going at the way at the moment and way it’s planned he will have the chance to play a few more games this season,” Arteta said, before adding that he hopes Jorginho can also return from an issue that has kept him sidelined for several weeks.

Arsenal host Bournemouth on Saturday evening knowing a win would all but guarantee Champions League qualification next season.

And with the second leg of their semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain to come next week, with the French side leading 1-0 after their initial minute, Arteta said he will speak to his players about not being distracted against the Cherries.

“The only thing we can control is our performances, emotional state,” he said. “There are still a lot of things we want to do in the Premier League.”

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