Arsenal are enjoying a productive time in the transfer market but William Saliba signing a new contract at the Emirates may be their most important piece of business all summer.
Kai Havertz became the Gunners' first arrival of the window when he joined from Chelsea in what promises to be an important summer for the club. Ajax defender Jurrien Timber and a club record transfer fee for West Ham United captain Declan Rice are also imminent.
Yet Saliba’s long-term commitment to the north London club is another significant boost for Mikel Arteta. The imposing central defender ended speculation over his future by penning a long-term deal through to 2027.
Saliba played 33 times for Arteta’s side across all competitions last season while his absence in the tail-end of the campaign coincided with the Gunners’s title ambitions fading as their form fell apart. Not only was the Frenchman a key loss, but his absence was deeply detrimental to his defensive partner Gabriel.
With Timber arriving from Ajax and Saliba now at the Gunners for the long-haul, Arsenal ’s defence is in good hands. The good vibes at the club were reflected by Bukayo Saka, another young star who has committed his future to the team.
“This club means such a lot to me,” Saliba wrote on his Instagram. “I want to thank the boss, Edu and the staff for extending my stay here. Gooners, we have always had a special relationship now it’s time to build on it. #COYG”
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Saka was quick to cheekily reply to his teammate, posting the message “Finallyy” alongside a light-hearted crazy emotion and a heart. The sentiment would have been reflected by many Gunners fans after the news was confirmed.
“Honestly the decision was easy,” Saliba explained to Arsenal’s website after the contract was confirmed, “because I had a really good season last season, but unfortunately I didn't finish it because of injury.
“So I want more. I want to play more years for this amazing club. I didn't achieve anything yet, so I want to win everything with this club.”
The France international added, looking ahead to next season: “I think we can achieve everything. Of course, it's easy to say this, but we have the coach, we have the character, we have the players and every year the team gets stronger.
“We have better players with a good mentality. We have a good experience from the last season as well. We know that the season is so long. So we are confident and we know we can do something good at this club.”
