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 William Saliba Signs New Five-Year Arsenal Contract, Commits Long-Term Future to the Gunners

Arsenal Football Club have officially confirmed that French centre-back William Saliba has signed a new five-year contract, securing his long-term future at the Emirates Stadium. The 24-year-old defender, who had entered the final two years of his previous deal, is the latest star to commit to Mikel Arteta’s project, joining Gabriel Magalhaes, as well as highly rated academy graduates Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, in penning fresh terms in 2025.

Saliba: “Arsenal is the best place to be”
Expressing his delight, Saliba reflected on his journey since first signing for Arsenal in 2019.

“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.”

The French international, who has become a cornerstone of Arsenal’s defense, emphasized his ambition to keep improving:

“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. I think I haven’t reached my peak yet. I have a lot of things to improve, and I know the coach and staff will help me become one of the best defenders in the world and win trophies with Arsenal.”

Rising as One of the Premier League’s Best

Since making his long-awaited competitive debut in the 2022/23 season, Saliba has grown into one of the Premier League’s most complete defenders. He featured in all 38 league matches during the 2023/24 campaign and missed only three games last season, underlining his consistency, fitness, and importance to the squad.

Now with over 140 Arsenal appearances and seven goals to his name across all competitions, Saliba’s defensive awareness, aerial dominance, and ball-playing ability have made him indispensable for Arteta’s evolving project.
Sporting Director and Manager React
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta hailed Saliba’s renewal as a statement of intent for the club:

“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. His consistency and maturity will remain a huge asset for us as he continues to reach new heights with Arsenal.”

Manager Mikel Arteta also praised the player’s impact both on and off the pitch:

“William is loved by all the players and staff, and that speaks volumes about his character, commitment, and attitude every day. Since joining us, he has grown so much, embraced responsibility, and built a strong connection with our supporters. We know there is still more to come, and together we’ll keep pushing with the ambition of winning major trophies.”

A Boyhood Arsenal Fan Living His Dream. In an interview with Sky Sports, Saliba revealed his deep-rooted connection to Arsenal, recalling the viral image of him as a young boy wearing an Arsenal shirt:

“My first shirt was Arsenal. I went to Decathlon with my mum and she bought it for me Thierry Henry’s shirt. In Paris, most kids supported Real Madrid or Barcelona, but me? I’ve always been a proper Arsenal fan.”

That lifelong bond has now come full circle, with Saliba becoming one of the most vital players in Arsenal’s quest for domestic and European glory.

Arsenal’s Long-Term Project Strengthened

Saliba’s extension signals Arsenal’s intent to secure the spine of the team for years to come. With key players like Gabriel Magalhaes, Ethan Nwaneri, and Myles Lewis-Skelly also signing fresh terms, the Gunners are solidifying both their defensive foundation and their future core.

As Arsenal chase Premier League titles and aim to re-establish themselves as a European powerhouse, Saliba’s leadership at the back will be pivotal in the club’s pursuit of silverware.