Arsenal have confirmed that French defender William Saliba has signed a new long-term contract with the club.
The 22-year-old was due to become a free agent at the end of next season but has now penned a four-year extension at the Emirates Stadium until the summer of 2027, reportedly with an option to extend until 2028.
"To have William extend his contract with us was something we have wanted to do for a long time. William proved last season just how good and how important he is to our squad," manager Mikel Arteta told arsenal.com.
"The ability he has at his young age of just 22 is exciting, and there is of course so much more room for development with any player at this stage of their career. We're looking forward to continuing to work with William in the years to come."
Sporting director Edu added: "We are so happy to have signed a new deal with William Saliba. William is part of our vision to keep our talented young players, who will hopefully be successful with us for many years to come, so that we can grow and progress together. I know the supporters will be just as happy as we are to see William continue with us in the future."
On est ensemble.
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 7, 2023
Wilo stays ❤️ pic.twitter.com/XxsneBf90m
Saliba joined Arsenal from Saint-Etienne as a teenager in the summer of 2019, but the Frenchman was sent back to Ligue 1 on loan three years running before Arteta deemed him worthy of first-team football.
After impressing with Nice, Saliba won the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year award during the 2021-22 season while on the books at Marseille, who tried and failed to acquire his services on a permanent basis.
Upon his return to North London, Saliba immediately formed a strong partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes in the heart of the backline, as Arteta's side unexpectedly challenged Manchester City for the Premier League title.
However, Saliba sustained a season-ending back injury against Sporting Lisbon, and Arsenal won just five of their 11 Premier League fixtures during the Frenchman's absence to drop to second place.
Nevertheless, Saliba's efforts were crucial in helping Arsenal end their seven-year exile from the Champions League, as he finished his breakthrough season with three goals and one assist from 33 matches in all tournaments.
© Reuters
Addressing the Arsenal fans after signing his new deal, Saliba said: "I was born in north Paris, but I was made in North London. I know it must've been strange for you.
"I show up, a kid you've never heard of, and then I keep going away to different clubs before you get to see me play. But I know now this was the best plan for me, and last summer when I came back to the club and became a pivotal part of the team.
"Words cannot describe how I feel here. How you [the supporters] made me feel. Having the confidence of the boss and the staff, and then having your love and support made me feel 10 feet tall.
"North London was just a place on a map when I was growing up. Yes, it was where my favourite team was, but I could never know how quickly it would feel like my home. So thank you Gooners, this is for you."
Saliba's contract announcement follows confirmation of Reiss Nelson's new deal on Thursday, while Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Aaron Ramsdale, Mohamed Elneny and Gabriel have also committed their futures to the club over the past 12 months.
Ben Knapton
