Arsenal fans have reason to celebrate as William Saliba, the club's highly-rated center-back, has reportedly agreed to a new long-term contract. The news comes as a major boost for the Gunners, solidifying their defense and securing the future of a key player.
Saliba's new deal is reportedly a five-year contract, set to keep him at the Emirates Stadium until 2030. This extension puts an end to speculation surrounding his future, especially with reported interest from Real Madrid. The Spanish giants were said to be admirers of the French international, hoping to lure him away from North London. However, Saliba has committed his future to Arsenal, convinced by the project under head coach Mikel Arteta.
The contract extension is a testament to Saliba's importance to the team. Since making his debut in the 2022/23 season, he has established himself as one of the Premier League's best center-backs. In the 2023/24 season, he played every single minute of all 38 league games, highlighting his consistency and reliability in Arsenal's backline. His presence has been instrumental in Arsenal's defensive improvement, forming a formidable partnership with Gabriel Magalhães.
Saliba's journey to becoming a key player for Arsenal wasn't straightforward. Signed in 2019 from Saint-Étienne, he spent several seasons on loan at Saint-Étienne, Nice, and Marseille. These loan spells proved crucial in his development, allowing him to gain valuable experience and establish himself as one of Ligue 1's best defenders during his time at Marseille. Upon his return to Arsenal, he quickly cemented his place in the starting lineup, showcasing his talent and maturity.
The new contract is expected to come with a significant increase in salary, reflecting Saliba's status as one of the best-paid defenders at the club. While specific financial details haven't been officially disclosed, his annual salary is estimated to rise from around £10 million to £12.5 million. This would make him one of the highest earners at Arsenal, although not quite in the top five of the Premier League. As of 2025, his weekly wage is around £190,000, translating to an annual salary of £9.8 million.
Securing Saliba's future is part of Arsenal's broader strategy of building a young and dynamic core. The club has also recently secured contract extensions for other key players, including Gabriel Magalhães, Ethan Nwaneri, and Myles Lewis-Skelly. By tying down these talented individuals, Arsenal is demonstrating its commitment to long-term success and creating a team capable of challenging for major honors. With Saliba at the heart of their defense, Arsenal's future looks bright.
