السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته I had a discussion with a close salafi brother of mine and i just started seeking knowledge upon the salaf, He verily tells me to be able to call one themselves '' Talib ul-‘Ilm" you need to know the arabic language, Is this what he is saying true?

Ustadh AbdulAziz al-Haqqan

No. You can seek knowledge even if you don't know Arabic. And you can start learning Arabic while studying. Never stop seeking ilm to learn Afabic first. Learn both at the same time.