Arsenal confirm 24yo’s new 5-year contract

William Saliba’s new contract with Arsenal is now official, with the centre-back signing a long-term deal reportedly lasting until 2030.

Photo via Arsenal.com

Arsenal have confirmed William Saliba has signed a new long-term contract with the club, with reports suggesting the deal will last until 2030. Saliba had been in the final two years of his previous contract, but he’s now extended for the remainder of the decade.

“I feel at home,” Saliba said. “We have a good team, we have a good squad, we have good staff. The coach is perfect for me, so it’s the best place to be.

“I enjoy every day when I have the chance to wear this shirt. I try to give everything, and now I’ll give even more to this club and to the fans.

“I’m happy now, but not 100% happy because we have to do more. We have to win titles, because it’s what we want, what the club wants.”

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Sporting director Andrea Berta has been leading the charge to tie Saliba down to a new contract, and he told Arsenal.com: “We’re so happy that William has committed his future to us to be part of what we’re building here.

“In the last three seasons, William has become an incredible defender whose composure, intelligence and physical presence make him one of the best in the world. He will continue his development with Arsenal to reach new heights.”

Mikel Arteta added: “William is loved by all the players and staff, and that speaks volumes about his character, commitment and attitude every day.

“Since joining us, William has grown so much, embraced responsibility, and has created a strong connection with our supporters and everyone at the club.

“We know there is still so much to come from him and will continue to work together to keep improving with the clear ambition of winning major trophies.”

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David Ornstein had broken the news for The Athletic last week that Saliba was committing his future to Arsenal by agreeing a new deal, adding that the centre-back had been the subject of interest from Real Madrid.

There was some concern from fans about Saliba following in the footsteps of ex-Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, with Alexander-Arnold running down his contract before leaving for a minimal fee this summer.

Real Madrid certainly would have been happy to pick up Saliba in a similar deal, given most estimates would put the centre-back’s true value in the nine-figure range. But the door has now closed, at least for the remainder of the 2020s.

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Arsenal are investing heavily in the 24-year-old, given he was already the best-paid defender at Arsenal. But the fact the continent’s top clubs were circling for his signature shows that the Gunners are getting good value for that money.

Despite an ankle injury in August, Saliba has already made six appearances in Arsenal’s eight games this season, and he’s sure to remain a key figure for Arteta for the remainder of the campaign and beyond.