"He’s just not concentrating" - Oleksandr Zinchenko names player who gets fined the most at Arsenal
Arsenal left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko has stated that French left-back William Saliba gets fined the most at the club under Mikel Arteta. The Ukrainian defender joined the Gunners in the summer of 2022 from Manchester City and has mostly been used as a substitute this season by Arteta.
Over the years, Mikel Arteta has established a reputation for being a strict disciplinarian at Arsenal. The Spaniard joined the Gunners in December 2019 and has won one English FA Cup and two English Super Cups with the side. During his tenure, he has had falling outs with several high-profile players and he seemingly is not afraid to fine players heavily if they break rules.
In an interview on the YouTube channel Pro: Direct Soccer posted on November 13, Oleksandr Zinchenko stated that Saliba gets fined frequently because of his lack of concentration during training sessions. Here is how the conversation went:
“Who gets fined the most?” Zinchenko was asked.
“Saliba,” the Ukrainian said.
“What is it? Because of lateness or because of something else?” the interviewer said.
“He’s just not concentrating,” Zinchenko said.
Despite his rule-breaking habits in training, Saliba has established himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League under Arteta. The Frenchman joined the Gunners from Saint-Etienne in 2019 for a reported transfer price of €30 million (via Transfermarkt).
Saliba is one of the Gunners' highest earners with a weekly wage of £190,000 (via Capology). According to TBR, the fines often go towards organizing a Christmas party for the side or towards a raffle for staff members around the club.
Arsenal's William Saliba opens up about the one thing stopping him from becoming the best defender in the world
William Saliba reckons that he lacks enough trophies in his cabinet to be called the best defender in the world. According to him, trophies are the only factor stopping him from reaching the top of the pile.
Ahead of Arsenal's UEFA Champions League 2024-25 opener against Atalanta, Saliba spoke about the missing piece in his repertoire in an interview with Fox Sports Mexico (via Metro):
"I have been on the right track for both seasons, mainly last season. I’m perhaps on my way to becoming the best defender in the world. 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," he said.
"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."
Arsenal are currently fourth in the Premier League table with 19 points from 11 games. They are nine points behind league leaders Liverpool (28).