William Saliba has signed a new four-year contract at Arsenal, leaving sporting director Edu delighted at tying the 22-year-old down to a new deal.
It was only a matter of time before the agreement became official, with the Brazilian defender agreeing to commit his long-term future to the Emirates Stadium last month.
But preoccupied with several incoming transfers over the past couple of weeks, the Gunners have barely had any spare time to announce Saliba’s contract extension until today.
His outstanding showings for Premier League runners-up last season didn’t just get the former Saint-Etienne centre-back an improved deal, but it also handed him a new shirt number.
After donning the No 12 jersey in his first season at Arsenal in 2022/23, Saliba will be wearing No 2 from next season onwards as an ultimate reward for the club’s belief in his future role.
Seen as a vital part of the Gunners’ long-term project, the versatile defender earned flattering recognition from Edu, who heaped praise on the youngster during the announcement.
“We are so happy to have signed a new deal with William Saliba,” Edu told the club’s official website.
“William is part of our vision to keep our talented young players, who will hopefully be successful with us for many years to come, so that we can grow and progress together.
“I know the supporters will be just as happy as we are to see William continue with us in the future.”
Manager Mikel Arteta shared Edu’s view.
“To have William extend his contract with us was something we have wanted to do for a long time,” Arteta said. “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.”
Saliba’s extension follows Reiss Nelson’s new deal in London.
