Arsenal have made a significant move to secure the long-term future of star centre-back William Saliba, with the French defender receiving a substantial contract proposal to extend his stay at the Emirates Stadium.
Saliba, who has grown into one of the Premier League’s most dominant defenders since breaking into the Arsenal first team, is seen as a crucial part of Mikel Arteta’s project. The Gunners are eager to reward his development and performances with a deal that would place him among the club’s top earners.
The 23-year-old has just two years remaining on his current deal, and Arsenal are keen to avoid any uncertainty over his future. Talks have been progressing behind the scenes, and the new proposal tabled by the club is believed to be both financially lucrative and reflective of Saliba’s growing status in world football.
Saliba has enjoyed a meteoric rise since his return from a successful loan spell at Marseille. Last season, he formed a formidable partnership with Gabriel Magalhães at the heart of Arsenal’s defence, playing a pivotal role in helping the club push Manchester City all the way in the Premier League title race and progress deep into the Champions League.
Mikel Arteta has consistently praised Saliba’s calmness, physicality, and reading of the game, describing him as “immense” in both training and matches. The Spaniard sees Saliba as a long-term leader and is fully behind the club’s efforts to tie him down to a new deal.
Behind the scenes, Arsenal’s new sporting director Andrea Berta is believed to have taken a hands-on role in the negotiations, making Saliba’s renewal a top priority. Berta, who replaced Edu Gaspar earlier this year, has made it clear that retaining elite talent is just as important as bringing in new faces.
Sources close to the player suggest Saliba is happy at Arsenal and believes in the direction of the team. He has a strong relationship with Arteta and many of his teammates and is particularly excited about the Gunners’ ambitions to compete consistently at the highest level.
However, Arsenal know they must act decisively. Saliba’s performances have not gone unnoticed across Europe, with several top clubs monitoring his situation. The club’s proposal is designed not only to reflect his value but also to fend off interest from potential suitors.
The deal on the table is expected to significantly increase Saliba’s weekly wages, bringing him closer to the salary bracket of Arsenal’s other marquee players like Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice. While nothing has been signed yet, the club remain optimistic that an agreement will be reached in the coming weeks.
Arsenal fans will be hoping Saliba commits his future to the club, as his presence at the back has become integral to Arteta’s system. With the team looking to take another step forward in the 2025/26 season, locking down the Frenchman would be a major statement of intent.
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