WILLIAM SALIBA SIGNS NEW ARSENAL CONTRACT ❤️

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William Saliba has signed a new long-term contract with us.

The 24-year-old defender joined from Ligue 1 side Saint-Etienne in July 2019 and has since made 140 appearances for us in all competitions, becoming a cornerstone of our defensive unit.

William began his professional career with Saint-Etienne, progressing through their youth academy before making his first-team debut at the beginning of the 2018/19 season, making 23 appearances in all competitions across his inaugural senior campaign. Following his permanent move to us the following year, William returned to Saint-Etienne on loan for the 2019/20 season, continuing his development and helping the team reach the 2020 Coupe de France final.

On returning to us from Saint-Etienne, William picked up a winners’ medal as a squad member in our FA Community Shield victory against Liverpool in August 2020. Further experience in Ligue 1 was to follow, when he joined OGC Nice on a short-term loan deal in January 2021. His quality and maturity was evident with a return to the south of France the following campaign, joining Marseille on a season-long loan and becoming a valuable member of their defence. His consistent performances earned him the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year award as well as inclusion in the 2021/22 Ligue 1 Team of the Season.

William’s debut for us came in our season opener against Crystal Palace in August 2022, a 2-0 victory at Selhurst Park, and he didn’t have to wait long for his first goal – an incredible left-footed strike away to Bournemouth just two weeks later in a 3-0 win.

William has been at the heart of our defence which has conceded the fewest goals in the last two Premier League seasons, resulting in selection for the PFA Team of the Year in the last three consecutive years. He is widely regarded as one of the best central defenders in world football, also being honoured on The Best FIFA Men’s 11 2024.

A France international, he was called up to his national team for the first time in March 2022 and has gone on to make 28 appearances for Les Bleus, representing his country at the FIFA 2022 World Cup and UEFA Euro 2024, where he played every minute of France’s run to the semi-final, being awarded a place in the UEFA Team of the Tournament.

Sporting Director Andrea Berta said: “We’re so happy that William has committed his future to us to be part of what we’re building here. 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.
His consistency, maturity, and ability to influence matches will continue to be a big asset for us and we’re looking forward to many more great performances from him at the heart of our defence.”

Manager Mikel Arteta added: "William is loved by all the players and staff, and that speaks volumes about his character, commitment and attitude every day. 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."

William’s new contract is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.

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