Arsenal Football Club has confirmed that William Saliba has signed a new five-year contract, committing his future to the Gunners until the summer of 2030. The 24-year-old French international's decision to extend his stay at the Emirates Stadium is a major boost for manager Mikel Arteta, as Saliba has become a cornerstone of the team's defense.
Saliba's previous contract was set to expire in 2027, and his outstanding performances had attracted interest from top clubs like Real Madrid. However, the defender has chosen to continue his development with Arsenal, where he feels at home and believes he can achieve major trophies.
"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," Saliba told the club's website. "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's journey to becoming a key player for Arsenal has not been straightforward. He initially joined the club in 2019 from Saint-Étienne but had to wait three years for his competitive debut, spending time on loan at Saint-Étienne, Nice and Marseille. Since breaking into the first team in the 2022/23 season, he has made 140 appearances in all competitions, scoring seven goals.
His partnership with Gabriel Magalhães has been instrumental in Arsenal's defensive solidity, with the team conceding the fewest goals in the Premier League in the past two seasons. Saliba's consistent performances have also earned him individual accolades, including selection for the PFA Team of the Year for the last three consecutive years and being honored on The Best FIFA Men's 11 in 2024.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta, who has overseen a series of new contracts since arriving at the club, expressed his delight at Saliba's commitment. "We're so happy that William has committed his future to us to be part of what we're building here," Berta said. "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."
Manager Mikel Arteta also praised Saliba's impact on the team. "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 to keep improving with the clear ambition of winning major trophies."
Saliba's decision to sign a new contract is a further sign of Arsenal's ambition and commitment to building a squad capable of challenging for major honors. The club has also recently secured long-term deals for other key players such as Gabriel, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly. With Saliba at the heart of their defense, Arsenal will be hoping to finally end their wait for a Premier League title and make a significant impact in the Champions League.
Saliba himself is determined to help the team achieve success. "I played well, we almost won the league in the first season, and we almost won the league the season after as well," he said. "I'm happy now, but not 100% happy because we have to do more. We have to win titles, because it's what we want, what the club wants."
