Arsenal fighting to persuade world class player to stay at the club this summer
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Arsenal have initiated discussions to secure a new contract for their star centre-back, William Saliba, as reported by The Athletic’s David Ornstein.
The 24-year-old Frenchman, whose current deal runs until June 2027, is a cornerstone of Mikel Arteta’s squad, and the club is keen to fend off interest from European giants, notably Real Madrid.
While no formal offer has been tabled, talks are progressing under the guidance of Arsenal’s new sporting director, Andrea Berta, with an agreement expected to reflect Saliba’s status as one of the world’s premier defenders.
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Arsenal have initiated discussions to secure a new contract for their star centre-back William Saliba. [Image Credit: Getty Images]Saliba’s rise to prominence since breaking into Arsenal’s first team in the 2022-23 season has been meteoric. After loan spells at Saint-Etienne, Nice, and Marseille, he has established himself as a defensive rock, forming a formidable partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes.
His 49 appearances across all competitions this season, including 33 in the Premier League, have helped Arsenal boast the league’s strongest defensive record.
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Saliba’s composure, athleticism, and ball-playing ability make him indispensable, but his ambition to win trophies at Arsenal is clear, as he emphasised in a March statement to The Athletic, noting his happiness but desire for silverware.
Real Madrid’s long-term admiration, as reported by L’Equipe, adds urgency to Arsenal’s efforts. The Spanish club sees Saliba as a future leader of their backline, but the defender has expressed loyalty to Arsenal, dismissing any rush to force a move.
Arteta, confident in Saliba’s commitment, has delegated negotiations to Berta, who aims to avoid the risks of entering the final two years of key players’ contracts.
For Arsenal fans, securing Saliba’s future is as vital as any summer signing. His potential new deal, likely to see his wages rise significantly, underscores his value to a squad chasing Premier League and Champions League glory.
With Berta’s expertise and Saliba’s evident love for the club, the Gunners are well-positioned to keep their defensive talisman.
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