Defender, William Saliba has signed a new four-year contract at Arsenal until June 2027.
Saliba’s current contract was set to expire at the end of June 2024 but the Frenchman has agreed a fresh four-year contract, which will see him stay with Arsenal until June 2027 with an one-year extension option included.
Saliba will also wear the number 2 shirt from this season onwards.
Having spent three separate loan spells away from the club, Saliba became an integral part of Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge last season, until a back injury suffered in mid-March ruled him out of their final 11 matches of the campaign.
Speaking about Saliba’s decision to stay with Arsenal amidst interest from various clubs, manager, Mikel Arteta added: “To have William extend his contract with us was something we have wanted to do for a long time. 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.”
Arsenal’s Sporting Director, Edu meanwhile said: “We are so happy to have signed a new deal with William Saliba. 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.”
Saliba first joined Arsenal from Saint-Etienne in July 2019 before returning to the French club on a season-long loan, but struggled to break through upon his return to the senior team and consequently spent time on loan with Nice and Marseille.
His consistent performances across 52 appearances at Marseille however saw Arteta opt to hand Saliba a first-team chance with the Gunners, which the 22 year-old grasped to maximum effect until he suffered a back injury against Sporting Lisbon as Arsenal exited the Europa League in March.
His absence ultimately proved costly for Arsenal’s title ambitions as they kept just two clean sheets in their final 11 matches, as they eventually finished second to eventual champions, Manchester City.
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