Arsenal Defender William Saliba Signs New Four-Year Deal
Arsenal defender William Saliba has signed a new four-year deal with the club, keeping him at the Emirates Stadium until 2027. The 22-year-old French centre-back made his first-team debut in August last season and quickly became a key player for the Gunners, playing 33 games in all competitions and scoring three goals.
The news of Saliba’s new deal comes as Arsenal are believed to be close to securing the signings of England midfielder Declan Rice and Ajax’s Dutch defender Jurrien Timber, following Kai Havertz’s £65m move from Chelsea earlier this summer. Meanwhile, midfielder Granit Xhaka has joined German side Bayer Leverkusen in a 25m euro (£21.4m) deal.
Arsenal’s Breakthrough Star
Saliba’s breakthrough season followed three loan spells in French football, having initially joined the club from St Etienne for £27m in 2019 when Unai Emery was Arsenal manager. The Gunners spent much of the season at the top of the table before losing out to eventual champions Manchester City.
Real Madrid and Paris St-Germain were reportedly interested in Saliba, but Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said: “To have William extend his contract with us was something we have wanted to do for a long time. 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. We’re looking forward to continuing to work with William in the years to come.”
On Thursday forward Reiss Nelson also signed a new four-year deal with the option for another year.
The Future of Arsenal’s Defence
Saliba’s new deal is a major boost for Arsenal and their defensive prospects for the upcoming season. His impressive performances last season have shown that he is capable of playing at the highest level and his presence in the team will be a huge asset as they look to challenge for a top four finish in the Premier League.
The Gunners have already added Gabriel Magalhaes to their defensive ranks this summer, and with Saliba now committed to the club for the long term, they have two young and talented centre-backs who can form the foundation of their back line for years to come.
The signing of Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber could also prove to be crucial in helping Arsenal to strengthen their defence. Rice is a versatile midfielder who can also play at centre-back, while Timber is an experienced defender who has been a key player for Ajax over the past few seasons. Both players would add quality and depth to Arsenal’s back line and could help them to compete for major honours in the coming years.
Conclusion
William Saliba’s new four-year deal is a major boost for Arsenal and their defensive prospects for the upcoming season. His impressive performances last season have shown that he is capable of playing at the highest level and his presence in the team will be a huge asset as they look to challenge for a top four finish in the Premier League. The addition of Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber could also prove to be crucial in helping Arsenal to strengthen their defence, while Gabriel Magalhaes’ arrival this summer gives them two young and talented centre-backs who can form the foundation of their back line for years to come.