A wave of anticipation followed the announcement that Arsenal's defender, William Saliba, has solidified his commitment to the Gunners with a new four-year contract. This move will keep the 22-year-old at the club until 2027.
The contract - worth approximately £10 million annually - solidifies Saliba's future with the North London side. This comes after other Premier League teams and international clubs expressed substantial interest in the talented French international. No extension option is included in the contract, consistent with the typical Arsenal contract structure, and no release clause is in place.
The former Saint-Etienne player, who made his way to Arsenal in 2019, played a pivotal role in the team's challenge for the Premier League title last season. His absence due to injury for the last 11 games of the season coincided with a dip in the team's performance, underscoring his influence on the squad.
Saliba's new contract is the latest in a series of renewals by Arsenal's key players, including Bukayo Saka, Gabriel, Gabriel Martinelli, and Aaron Ramsdale. This emphasis on retention marks a significant boost to the club's ongoing project.
"I was born in north Paris, but became a man in north London," Saliba said, expressing his connection with the club. "Words cannot describe how I feel here, how you [fans] make me feel... so thank you, Gooners, this is for you."
Commenting on the extension, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta noted Saliba's importance to the team and his excitement for the player's continued development, adding, "We're looking forward to continuing to work with William in the years to come."
Edu, Arsenal's sporting director, shared this sentiment, stating, "We are so happy to have signed a new deal with William Saliba... I know the supporters will be just as happy as we are to see William continue with us in the future."
Saliba will sport a new number for the 2023/24 season, trading his number 12 jersey for number 2. This follows a season at Marseille on loan, where he played 52 games across four competitions, further cementing his importance as a central figure.
Securing Saliba's future aligns with the club's summer investments and marks a significant move towards closing the gap with last season's Premier League champions, Manchester City. Arsenal fans eagerly anticipate the official announcement of Saliba's contract extension and are hopeful for a strong season under the reinforced defensive line.
