William Saliba jatkaa Arsenalissa ranskalaispuolustaja sitoutui pitkään sopimukseen ja torjui Real Madridin kiinnostuksen
For Arsenal fans, this is the kind of news that makes you breathe a little easier: William Saliba isn’t going anywhere. According to The Athletic, the French centre-back has agreed to a brand-new long-term contract with the club. The official announcement should land any day now.
It’s a major win for Mikel Arteta’s project. At just 24, Saliba has become not only the bedrock of Arsenal’s defense but also one of the very best defenders in the Premier League. If Arsenal’s resurgence has felt real these past two seasons, it’s largely because of him.
Real Madrid came calling—but Arsenal convinced him to stay
Make no mistake, Arsenal weren’t the only ones eyeing Saliba’s future. His current deal ran until 2027, but that didn’t stop European giants from circling, especially Real Madrid, who are in the middle of rebuilding their back line.
In the end, though, Saliba chose north London over Madrid’s bright lights. That decision alone sends a powerful message: he genuinely believes in Arteta’s vision. As Arsenal chase both Premier League glory and Champions League credibility, locking down their defensive leader might be the most important signing of all.
From French prodigy to Premier League powerhouse
Saliba first arrived in 2019, when Arsenal paid around €30 million to bring him in from St. Étienne. But the path to stardom wasn’t straightforward. Before he ever wore Arsenal red in the Premier League, he spent years out on loan with St. Étienne again, then Nice, and later Marseille. It wasn’t until the summer of 2022 that he finally became a regular under Arteta.
Since then, his rise has been meteoric. Calm on the ball, commanding in duels, and almost impossible to dribble past, Saliba instantly turned Arsenal’s defense into a different beast. The statistics back it up, but fans don’t need the numbers—they could feel the gap when he was out injured in spring 2023, a moment many point to as the reason Arsenal’s title dream slipped away that year.
Why this deal matters so much
Saliba’s extension isn’t just another line of business. For Arsenal, it’s about:
- Continuity: Arteta is building a squad that can grow together. Having leaders like Saliba stick around ensures stability.
- Leadership: He’s more than a defender—he’s the voice at the back, the anchor everyone looks to.
- Value: A long-term deal protects Arsenal financially if the day ever comes when big clubs try to pry him away.
Arsenal’s bigger picture
This isn’t just about Saliba—it’s about the statement Arsenal are sending. Keeping their stars isn’t easy when Europe’s elite come knocking. But little by little, the team is locking down its core: Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus—and now Saliba.
Together, they don’t just form a promising squad. They look like the foundation of something lasting. Call it a dynasty-in-progress.
In summary
- William Saliba has agreed to a long-term contract with Arsenal.
- Despite Real Madrid’s interest, he chose to stay in London.
- At 24, he’s already one of the Premier League’s top defenders—and central to Arsenal’s title ambitions.
- His decision is a decisive boost for Arteta’s long-term vision.
Possible headlines
- “Saliba stays: Arsenal fend off Real Madrid’s interest”
- “Arsenal secure their defensive general: Saliba signs on”
- “Arsenal hold on to their diamond—Saliba’s new deal sealed”
🔴⚪ Arsenal fans, what do you think? Is Saliba signing the final piece of the puzzle for that long-awaited league title?