William Saliba has signed a new long-term deal with Arsenal.
The 24-year-old has become a key figure under manager Mikel Arteta, building a strong partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes at the back.
Saliba joined Arsenal from Saint-Etienne in a deal worth around £27 million in 2019 before returning on loan to his boyhood club in France.
He later spent temporary spells at Nice and Marseille. His commanding displays with the latter earned him the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year award.
His outstanding campaign with Marseille also saw him included in the 2021/22 Ligue 1 Team of the Season, confirming his rising reputation.
Since returning to Arsenal, Saliba has developed into one of the finest defenders in the Premier League.
He has been selected in the PFA Team of the Year for three consecutive seasons, underlining his consistency and quality.
Contract extension is a boost for Arsenal
Saliba received his first international call-up in March 2022 and has won 28 caps for France.
He featured at the 2022 World Cup and was a key player during the 2024 European Championship, playing every minute of France’s run to the semi-finals.
His reliability and impact at the tournament earned him a spot in the UEFA Team of the Tournament, further showing his importance on the international stage.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised Saliba, highlighting his professionalism and influence on the team.
Arteta said: “William is loved by all the players and staff, which 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.”
The Frenchman will be central to Arsenal’s ambitions of turning progress into silverware over the next few years.
