Key Takeaways:
- William Saliba signed a five-year contract extension to remain at Arsenal until the summer of 2030
- Saliba featured in all 38 Premier League matches during the 2023/24 season and has made 140 appearances for the club in total
- Arsenal secured key defensive contracts, with Bukayo Saka also entering contract renewal discussions
Saliba Secures Long-Term Stay in North London
William Saliba has committed his future to Arsenal by agreeing a long-term contract that will keep him at the Emirates Stadium until summer 2030. The 24-year-old central defender put pen to paper on a five-year agreement, strengthening the Gunners’ defensive core for the foreseeable future.
During the announcement, Saliba stated: “I feel at home. We have a good team, we have a good squad, we have good staff. The coach is perfect for me, so it’s the best place to be.
“I enjoy every day when I have the chance to wear this shirt. I try to give everything, and now I’ll give even more to this club and to the fans.”
Hot off the press 📠
William Saliba has committed his future to the club 👇
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 30, 2025
Key Contract Extensions and Squad Stability
Saliba, who had been under contract until 2027, has now extended his stay, allaying any potential concerns over his future at the club. He joins Gabriel Magalhaes, as well as emerging talents Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, all of whom have also reached new agreements set to run through 2025.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta remarked: “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.”
Outstanding Performances and Growing Influence
The French international has become one of the Premier League’s top centre-backs since making his competitive debut for Arsenal at the start of the 2022/23 campaign. Saliba played every minute across all 38 league fixtures in 2023/24 and missed only three matches the previous season, highlighting his reliability and durability. In total, he has amassed 140 appearances in all competitions for the club, contributing seven goals along the way.
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.”
Personal Journey and Early Affection for Arsenal
In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, Saliba reflected on his lifelong affinity with Arsenal, even as a child when many of his Parisian friends supported Real Madrid or Barcelona. He recalled: “My first shirt,” and described obtaining his very first Arsenal jersey at Decathlon, bought by his mother. “I wore this shirt a lot – Thierry Henry’s. In Paris, you have some fans of Arsenal, but in the [part of the] city I’m from, not really. They preferred Real Madrid or Barcelona, but me? I’m a proper one.”
Defensive Strength Integral to Arsenal’s Ambitions
The partnership between Saliba and Gabriel in central defence has become crucial to Arsenal’s consistent challenge at the top of the Premier League since August 2022. With Saliba available, the Gunners’ defensive statistics remain among the best in the division, including clean sheets in five of their first eight matches this season. Only Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle have managed to score against them in that period.
When Saliba is absent, defensive solidity suffers, with Arsenal conceding at double the rate compared to when he is present. Saliba leads all Premier League defenders in balls won in the middle third and clean sheets since his debut, standing second in ball recoveries. The addition of Cristhian Mosquera has provided further depth, allowing management of Saliba’s playing time as necessary.
Saka’s Contract Next on the Agenda
With Saliba and Gabriel’s long-term contracts now secured, attention turns to Bukayo Saka. Saka, entering the final two years of his deal, is reportedly in discussions aimed at positioning him among the club’s highest earners. Mikel Arteta commented: “I would love that!” regarding a potential extension for Saka. He added: “From everything I know, he’s a player who is extremely happy and proud to have the role that he has in the football club.
“Things will develop in a natural way like they always do and everybody knows how important Bukayo is as a player for us. Hopefully we can do it.”
