Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has welcomed the official announcement of William Saliba’s new deal, but he’s since been given another “massive boost”, according to a former club chief.
William Saliba commits future to Arsenal after rejecting Real Madrid
News first emerged last week that Saliba agreed to pen a contract extension which will keep him at the club until 2030, with new sporting director Andrea Berta described as key to the move.
The Italian took a “firm grasp” of negotiations to tie Saliba down since replacing Edu Gaspar in March (Charles Watts), and somehow found time to regularly speak with his representatives amid an extremely busy first summer window at the Emirates.
Appearances
5
Minutes played
319
Clean sheets
2
Tackles made
8
Interceptions
3
Ground duels won
24/34
Aerial duels won
12
Clearances
20
via Footy Stats
Saliba’s terms were due to expire in 2027, which was a major worry for Arsenal as Real Madrid lingered in the background.
The former Saint-Étienne sensation’s partnership with Gabriel has been imperative to Arsenal’s title challenges since the beginning of 2022/2023, and they’re widely considered to be Europe’s best centre-back pairing.
Arsenal have conceded the fewest Premier League goals of any top flight side in each of the last two campaigns, and that is largely down to Arteta’s star defensive duo.
It is believed that Saliba and Gabriel made a summer pact to remain at Arsenal and challenge for major silverware, with reliable club insider ‘HandOfArsenal’ detailing that the former sent a clear message to Real at that time.
When Los Blancos approached him, Saliba was “direct” in telling Xabi Alonso’s side that he wanted to stay in North London, and the France international has now put his money where his mouth is.
With Saliba now secured, Berta’s next big task is agreeing a new contract with star winger Bukayo Saka.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Saka’s potential extension is Arsenal’s next priority after Saliba, and the club are increasingly optimistic about getting it over the line soon.
Other reports claim that the England international stands to earn around £250,000-per-week from his fresh terms, maybe more, and they could reach a full agreement by Christmas if all goes to plan (Football Transfers).
Arsenal gifted "massive boost" alongside Saliba deal after Bukayo Saka update
Speaking to Football Insider, former Premier League chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected in the beautiful game, has shared what he’s heard about Saka and the prospect of a new Arsenal deal — claiming that the Gunners have been handed a big piece of encouragement.
Brown says that Saka is happy to sign an extension and is delighted with life at Arsenal, with there being no concerns about his long-term future.
Reaching a quick agreement with Saka right after Saliba would come as a serious statement of intent by Berta, with Arteta under pressure to deliver trophies after many ‘close but no cigar’ seasons at N5.
Arsenal must secure Bukayo Saka deal as non-negotiable
The 24-year-old, valued at a staggering £131 million by Transfermarkt, is truly priceless.
However, if his contract is allowed to tick down towards expiry in 2027, Berta would be faced with his toughest decision yet.
His 71 goals and 71 assists in 268 appearances for Arsenal tell just half the story, with Saka’s world-class attacking intent in one-v-one situations, close control, pace and creativity seen as crucial to the way Arteta wants to play.
Arsenal will be ever-reliant on Saka on the right-hand side, especially with summer signing Noni Madueke out for several weeks, but Arteta will be mindful of the player’s fitness considering he’s only just back from a hamstring injury.
Saka also showed off a bloodied sock after their 2-1 win over Newcastle, courtesy of some rough treatment from the Magpies — which perfectly emphasises just how feared he is throughout the Premier League.