Arsenal has delivered a major boost to its trophy ambitions by announcing that star defender William Saliba has signed a new five-year contract, keeping the 24-year-old French international at the club until 2030. 

This commitment is a powerful statement from the Gunners, as it secures a world-class talent and shuts down long-standing interest from top European rivals like Real Madrid. 

Saliba, who has made 140 appearances for the club since his debut in 2022 and was included in the PFA Team of the Year for three consecutive seasons, expressed his happiness and focused on the clear goal of winning major titles with the club.

Saliba’s path to becoming one of the world’s most sought-after defenders was a unique one. 

He initially joined Arsenal from Saint-Etienne in 2019 but spent his early years on loan in Ligue 1 with Saint-Etienne, Nice, and Marseille to develop his game. 

Since finally making his competitive debut for the Gunners in August 2022, he has racked up 140 appearances and become integral to a backline that has consistently ranked among the Premier League’s best.

His seamless partnership with fellow defender Gabriel Magalhaes has been vital, anchoring a defense that has conceded the fewest goals in the last two Premier League seasons. 

The French international’s blend of composure on the ball, physical strength, and sharp reading of the game has made him a fan favorite and an elite performer, resulting in his inclusion in the PFA Team of the Year for three consecutive seasons.

The defender expressed his pride and commitment to the club, saying, “I feel proud of myself because I first signed in 2019, and now in 2025, I’m still here to extend my contract. I’m so happy.” 

He noted that the initial loan periods ultimately built his resilience and his connection with the club.

Saliba’s decision to sign new terms is a huge win for Arsenal’s hierarchy, particularly new Sporting Director Andrea Berta, who has prioritized tying down key players. 

It puts to rest months of speculation, with clubs like Real Madrid reportedly monitoring his contract situation closely. 

Saliba’s previous deal was due to expire in 2027, making him a prime target, but the player has chosen to remain loyal to the club he supported as a boy.

“I feel at home. We have a good team, we have a good squad, and we have good staff. The coach is perfect for me, so it’s the best place to be,” Saliba stated, explaining his choice. 

This commitment follows other key renewals overseen by Berta this summer, including Gabriel Magalhaes and promising academy products Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Manager Mikel Arteta praised the defender’s character and development: “William is loved by all the players and staff… Since joining us, William has grown so much, embraced responsibility, and has created a strong connection with our supporters.” 

Berta echoed this sentiment, calling Saliba an “incredible defender” whose prime years will now be spent helping Arsenal achieve their objectives.

With his contract secured, Saliba is now focused on one goal: winning major trophies. 

“I’m 24 now, and I think I haven’t reached my peak,” he declared, setting a clear personal and team target. 

“We have to win titles, because it’s what we want, what the club wants.”

The long-term contract ensures that Arsenal’s defensive foundation remains secure for the foreseeable future, creating the stability needed to compete across all major fronts, including the Premier League and the Champions League. 

Attention will now likely turn to the contract situation of star forward Bukayo Saka, who, like Saliba previously, has entered the final two years of his current deal. 

Securing Saliba’s commitment, despite intense outside interest, demonstrates a newfound pulling power at the Emirates, transforming defensive solidity into a psychological advantage in the race for silverware.