Arsenal’s long-drawn-out contract renewal saga with William Saliba has finally ended, with both sides reaching an agreement over a long-term deal.
According to The Athletic, the France international will sign a new four-year deal with the Gunners, keeping him at the Emirates Stadium until 2027.
After agreeing on the terms of the new contract, both parties will be looking to finalise the paperwork to get the deal over the line.
Saliba signing on the dotted line will come as a relief to Arsenal as the Frenchman was not short on interest, with potential suitors across Europe monitoring his situation.
His existing contract was set to run out at the end of next season, leaving Arsenal at risk of losing him on a free transfer next summer if they had not reached a new agreement.
Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain were particularly keen on Saliba. However, the new deal ensures the 22-year-old will extend his four-year association with the club.
Saliba first signed for Arsenal in 2019, arriving from Saint-Etienne for an estimated £27 million. He spent the next three years on loan in the French top flight, including stints at OGC Nice and Olympique Marseille.
Since returning to Arsenal for the 2022/23 campaign, Saliba has established himself as a key component of Mikel Arteta’s backline, forming a formidable partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes in the heart of the defence.
The Frenchman made 33 appearances across all competitions for the Gunners this term, chipping in with three goals and an assist before suffering a season-ending injury in March.
Arsenal struggled to cope in his absence. Arteta’s side watched their title hopes go up in smoke as they relinquished their spot at the top of the Premier League table to eventual champions Manchester City.
Saliba becomes the fifth first-team regular in Arteta’s squad to commit their long-term future to the Gunners project after Bukayo Saka, Gabriel, Gabriel Martinelli and Aaron Ramsdale.
