William Saliba has extended his contract at English Premier League side Arsenal, after agreeing a new five-year deal.
The French defender joined the Gunners in a £27 million move from Saint-Etienne in 2019, but did not make his competitive debut for the club until the 2022/23 season.
Saliba then spent successive seasons on loan at Saint-Etienne, Nice and Olympique Marseille in the French League, earning the Ligue One young player of the season and a spot in the team of the season in the latter club.
Since returning to Arsenal, he has formed a strong defensive pairing with Brazilian Gabriel Malgahaes, who also recently committed to the club on a long-term basis.
They have guided the Gunners to three consecutive second-placed finish in the English Premier League and will be eyeing a first league title win this season.
The 24-year-old played all of Arsenal’s league matches in the 2023/24 season and missed only three games last season with injury.
He has also been named in the PFA Team of the Season for three consecutive seasons, in 2022/23, 2023/24 and in 2024/25.
Saliba delighted to commit long-term to Arsenal
Only few players can shun off interests from other clubs, especially when Real Madrid come calling.
Despite interest from the Spanish giants, Saliba has now committed his future to the Gunners.
“I feel proud of myself because I first signed in 2019, and now in 2025, I’m still here to extend my contract. I’m so happy,” Saliba said after extending his contract.
“I feel at home. 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”, the 24-year-old continued.
“The boss is one of the best coaches in the world. He has helped me a lot, him and his staff, so I’m so happy to have them as a coach. I’m 24 now, and I think I haven’t reached my peak.
“I have a lot of things to improve, a lot of things to give to this team, and I know that the coach and the staff will help me to become the best, or one of the best, defenders in the world and win trophies.”
