It is safe to say that William Saliba has become one of Arsenal’s most important players under manager Mikel Arteta; Arsenal has now tied down the 22-year-old until 2027; Saliba shone for the Gunners last season and has eight caps for France.
The France defender, who was signed by the Gunners from French club Saint-Etienne in 2019 for £27m, has become one of Arsenal’s most important players under manager Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal have now tied down the 22-year-old until 2027 having already secured new deals for Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Aaron Ramsdale in a big boost to their project.
Runners-up to treble winners Manchester City in the Premier League last season, Arsenal have invested heavily in their squad already this summer as they look to bridge the gap.
Kai Havertz is already through the door after a £65m transfer from Chelsea, with Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber also expected to be joining him shortly for a combined total of £143.5m.
Arsenal have also announced Saliba, who only had one year remaining on his previous contract, has changed his shirt number from 12 to two for the new campaign.
“I was born in north Paris, but became a man in north London,” Saliba said in a video message for Arsenal fans on the club’s Twitter account.
Kai Havertz is already through the door after a £65m transfer from Chelsea, with Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber also expected to be joining him shortly for a combined total of £143.5m.
Arsenal have also announced Saliba, who only had one year remaining on his previous contract, has changed his shirt number from 12 to two for the new campaign.
“I was born in north Paris, but became a man in north London,” Saliba said in a video message for Arsenal fans on the club’s Twitter account.
“I know it must have been strange for you. I show up, a kid you have never heard of, and then keep going away to different clubs [on loan] 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 [fans] make me feel.
“Having the confidence of the boss and the staff, and then having your love and support made me feel 10 feet tall – so thank you Gooners, this is for you. We are together and let’s keep moving.”
Arteta said: “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.
“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.”
Edu, Arsenal’s sporting director, 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.”
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