The correct statement is:
The sodium atom transfers electrons to the chlorine atoms to form ionic bonds.
In the case of sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium (a metal) donates an electron to chlorine (a nonmetal), resulting in the formation of positively charged sodium ions (Na⁺) and negatively charged chloride ions (Cl⁻). The electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions constitutes an ionic bond.