Saliba believes winning titles is crucial to becoming the world's best: Zack Oaten

In the previous season, Arsenal boasted the top defense in the Premier League, with Saliba showcasing his remarkable skills by playing every minute of every game alongside his defensive partner, Gabriel. The duo's unwavering chemistry on the pitch created an impenetrable bond that left opponents struggling to break through.

Saliba believes he can be the claimed as the best defender if he adds a title to his name with the Gunners, something that the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Ruben Dias have in their locker. 

“I’m perhaps on my way to becoming the best defender in the world” The defender said. “'I have been on the right track for both seasons, mainly last season. 

“I think I’m one of the best at the moment, but to say that I have to win some titles. I think that’s what I’m missing right now. 

“If you win titles, you’re good and if you don’t, you can’t say you’re the best. 

“That’s what I believe. I’m one of the best in the world.” 

His only two pieces of silverware to date are the 2020 and 2023 Community Shield trophies which he feels are not enough to be put in the same bracket as other top defenders who have countless awards and trophies throughout their careers. 

Arsenal travel to league leaders Manchester City on Sunday in a game that often gives an early indication as to which side has the better chance of winning the title which means the likes of Saliba will be on top form as he attempts to win the one thing keeping him out of the same league as the world’s best. 

“Of course, we want to compete against Manchester City as we have done (in) the last two seasons but we know we have to do more. 

“As I said, we have to compete against City but we also have to do it against the other teams because it’s not just against City. 

“If you win against them but not against others it doesn’t mean anything. So, of course we want to win this weekend and we will give everything to win but it’s not the end on Sunday.”