According to The Athletic Saliba’s new deal will run until 2030. The 24-year-old stated over the summer that he was confident an extension would be thrashed out, with there no exit thoughts in his mind. The classy centre-half has been linked with La Liga giants Real Madrid on a regular basis since making a Premier League breakthrough, but is happy in English football for now. That is music to the ears of Gunners supporters and manager Mikel Arteta, who has always been convinced that Saliba would form part of his long-term plans.
Saliba had to be patient while waiting on an opportunity to prove his worth with the Gunners, having joined from Saint-Etienne in 2019. He took in loan spells at Nice and Marseille in his native France before finally forcing his way into Arsenal’s starting XI. There has been no looking back for him from there.
He expressed his delight upon signing the new deal via Arsenal’s official website: “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. 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.”
Saliba added on Arteta’s influence: “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.”
Arteta offered a glowing assessment of Saliba after the announcement, talking up his leadership skills and strength of character. “William is loved by all the players and staff, and that speaks volumes about his character, commitment and attitude every day,” he 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 to keep improving with the clear ambition of winning major trophies.”
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta added: “We’re so happy that William has committed his future to us to be part of what we’re building here. 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 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.”
Saliba has made 140 appearances for Arsenal, becoming a mainstay in their side. He has also taken his tally of senior international caps to 28 and will already have one eye on next summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The penning of fresh terms at the Emirates will help to eliminate one potential distraction, with full focus being given to on-field events. Committing to five more years with the Gunners will also give him plenty of time in which to fulfil his trophy dream. Arsenal’s last major honour was secured in 2020 when winning the FA Cup. They have won the Community Shield since then, but have finished as Premier League runners-up in three successive campaigns.
Saliba will have an important role to play in silverware quests across domestic and continental competition. He joins centre-half partner Gabriel – with that pair striking up quite the working relationship – in agreeing fresh terms. Experienced forward Leandro Trossard and academy graduate defender Myles Lewis-Skelly have also signed new contracts that will ensure they remain part of Arteta’s thinking for several years to come. Arsenal, who sit second again in the Premier League table at present, will be back in action on Wednesday when taking on Olympiacos in the Champions League.
