In a significant development for Arsenal Football Club, French defender, William Saliba, has pledged his long-term commitment to the Gunners by signing a new contract.
The talented centre-back, who played a crucial role in Arsenal’s impressive challenge for the Premier League title last season, has put pen to paper on a lucrative four-year deal worth £10 million ($13 million) per season.
“To have William extend his contract with us was something we have wanted to do for a long time,” expressed Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
“William proved last season just how good and how important he is to our squad. The ability he has at his young age of just 22 is exciting, and there is of course so much more room for development with any player at this stage of their career,” he added.
Saliba, who joined Arsenal from Saint-Etienne in 2019 for a fee of £27 million, had one year remaining on his previous contract. However, he spent the past three seasons on loan spells at Saint-Etienne, Nice, and Marseille, honing his skills and making a strong impression.
His standout performances during his loan stint at Marseille earned him a call-up to the French national team, and he was an integral part of the squad that reached the World Cup final in Qatar last year.
The 22-year-old defender follows in the footsteps of his Arsenal teammates Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Aaron Ramsdale, who have also recently committed their futures to the club.
These contract renewals demonstrate Arsenal’s determination to build a cohesive and talented squad.
In addition to securing their existing players, Arsenal is reportedly making significant strides in bolstering their squad further, as they aim to clinch the English Premier League title for the first time in two decades.
The Gunners have already completed the signing of Kai Havertz from Chelsea in a £65 million deal, and negotiations for West Ham’s Declan Rice and Ajax’s Jurrien Timber are said to be close to completion.
Saliba’s long-term commitment to Arsenal provides a boost to the club’s defensive line. The Gunners will continue to rely on his exceptional abilities and youthful energy to strengthen their backline in the upcoming season.
With ambitious transfer activity and the retention of key players like Saliba, Arsenal is determined to regain their position among England’s elite clubs and compete for domestic honors.
