Arsenal sporting director Edu is set to complete a third perfect deal for Mikel Arteta in a matter of months. The renewal of William Saliba’s contract will be hugely important to the Gunners’ chances of success in the coming season.
Saliba had a superb first season in English football. The Frenchman settled straight into the Arsenal backline on the first day of the campaign and did not look back.
After three loan spells in France, he quickly established himself as one of the top defensive talents in European football. Many believe Saliba’s back injury led to Arsenal’s demise in the quest for a first Premier League title since 2004.
He sat out of the final 11 games of the season after starting the first 27. Arsenal were not the same in his absence, with neither Rob Holding nor Jakub Kiwior up to the task of replacing him.
Many believe your true worth to a team is only noticed when you are not available. Saliba was already loved by Arsenal supporters but that feeling has only increased since he pulled up with his back problem in the Europa League defeat to Sporting Lisbon in March
One of Arsenal’s main tasks this summer was to tie Saliba down to a new deal. He has just 12 months remaining on his contract after the club exercised their one-year option last December.
There were regular reports that Arsenal and Saliba’s representatives were a long way apart in discussions. But The Athletic now says an agreement has been struck on a nw four-year deal.
The news is almost as good as a signing for Arsenal. Saliba had interest from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain and likely would have had to be sold this summer if he di not commit his future.
Replacing a 22-year-old centre-back with his potential would have been nigh-on impossible. Arsenal can now relax knowing they have a top talent for another few years at leas
The deal also protects his value so if Real or PSG do come sniffing, they can demand a huge fee for the player. It’s a win-win scenario all round for the north Londoners.
News of Saliba’s contract just adds to the Martinelli and Saka deals. Martinelli signed a new long-term contract in February, while Saka has since signed a four-year deal.
The trio are the future of Arsenal and their presence will only boost the club’s chances of major success. Losing any of the three players could have been catastrophic at this point in Arteta’s process.
