William Saliba Stays at Arsenal: Star Defender Signs New Five-Year Contract in Major Boost for Mikel Arteta
For months, Arsenal fans had been waiting for confirmation that one of their most prized assets would be committing his future to the club. On Monday, they got their wish. William Saliba, the French centre-back who has become a cornerstone of Mikel Arteta’s side, has signed a new five-year contract with the Gunners — a deal that keeps him at the Emirates until 2030 and sends a powerful message about Arsenal’s ambitions.
The announcement is more than just a piece of administrative business. For Arteta, for the club, and for the supporters, it represents stability, ambition, and the continuation of a project that has been building momentum season after season.
William Saliba Proud to Commit to Fresh Terms
Saliba’s journey to this point has been anything but straightforward. Signed as a highly-rated teenager from Saint-Étienne back in 2019, he initially struggled to break into Arsenal’s plans. Loan spells at Nice and then Marseille gave him valuable experience, but also left many fans wondering if the Gunners would ever truly see the best of him.
Patience, though, has paid off. Since finally cementing his place in Arsenal’s starting XI, Saliba has been nothing short of transformative. Strong in the air, calm on the ball, and blessed with anticipation that belies his age, he has grown into one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders.
Speaking after signing his new deal, Saliba could not hide his joy.
“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. I feel at home,” he said. “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 wear this shirt. I try to give everything, and now I’ll give even more to this club and to the fans.”
At just 24 years old, the France international knows that his best years are still to come — and that under Arteta, he can reach even greater heights.
Saliba on Arteta’s Influence
When asked about the role his manager has played in his development, Saliba was full of admiration.
“The boss is one of the best coaches in the world. He has helped me a lot, him and his staff,” he explained. “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.”
Those words highlight both Arteta’s growing reputation and Saliba’s hunger to keep progressing. For Arsenal, that combination is golden: a manager capable of moulding players into world-class performers, and a player whose ceiling seems limitless.
Mikel Arteta Hails Saliba’s Character
Arsenal FC v AC Milan: Pre-Season Friendly Saliba
For Arteta, the extension is not only about quality on the pitch but also about character off it. The Spaniard has spoken often about the importance of building a squad full of leaders, and Saliba fits that mould.
“William is loved by all the players and staff, and that speaks volumes about his character, commitment and attitude every day,” Arteta said. “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 with the clear ambition of winning major trophies.”
It is clear that Saliba is no longer just another player in Arsenal’s squad. He is one of the pillars around which Arteta is constructing a team capable of competing for silverware at the highest level.
Arsenal’s Sporting Director on Saliba’s Rise
Sporting director Andrea Berta also weighed in, praising Saliba for the qualities that have made him indispensable.
“In the last three seasons, William has become an incredible defender whose composure, intelligence and physical presence make him one of the best in the world,” he said. “He will continue his development with Arsenal to reach new heights. His consistency, maturity, and ability to influence matches will continue to be a big asset for us, and we’re looking forward to many more great performances from him at the heart of our defence.”
These are not empty words. Anyone who has watched Arsenal closely over the past two years knows just how vital Saliba is to the team’s defensive solidity. When he has been absent, the difference has been glaring. His renewal, therefore, feels like a cornerstone for the club’s long-term planning.
Who Else Has Signed New Contracts at Arsenal?
Saliba is not the only one to commit to Arsenal’s project. Centre-back partner Gabriel — with whom he has formed one of the Premier League’s most effective partnerships — has also signed fresh terms. Together, the duo give Arsenal a defensive platform that can rival any in Europe.
Elsewhere, experienced forward Leandro Trossard and promising academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly have also agreed new contracts, ensuring that Arteta retains both seasoned campaigners and exciting youth talent for the years ahead.
Arsenal fans will see these extensions as signs of progress, evidence that the club is moving away from the days when their best players left in search of success elsewhere. Now, stars like Saliba are choosing to stay and fight for glory in North London.
Saliba’s Arsenal Career So Far
Since breaking into the side, Saliba has made 140 appearances for the Gunners, becoming a defensive ever-present. On the international stage, he has earned 28 caps for France and is widely expected to play a key role in next summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
For Arsenal, his commitment helps eliminate one distraction at a crucial point in the season. The Gunners currently sit second in the Premier League table and face Olympiacos in the Champions League this week. With contract talks settled, all focus can shift back to chasing silverware.
The Bigger Picture: Trophies and Ambition
Arsenal’s last major trophy came in 2020 with the FA Cup. Since then, they have lifted the Community Shield but have been frustrated by three consecutive second-place finishes in the Premier League.
With Saliba now tied down, Arsenal are making it clear they are building not just for today, but for a sustained run at success. The Frenchman’s dream of winning silverware in red and white is shared by every fan at the Emirates, and his presence at the heart of defence gives them a genuine chance.
A Statement of Intent
In modern football, contract renewals often feel routine, but Saliba’s is anything but. This is not just about keeping a talented player; it is about keeping the player who embodies Arsenal’s future.
At 24, with a world-class manager guiding him, and a squad that has steadily matured around him, William Saliba is entering the prime years of his career. Arsenal’s decision to secure his future sends a loud and clear message to rivals: the Gunners are serious, and they are here to stay.
There are no comments yet. Be the first to comment!