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Topics: Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Mikel Arteta, Paris Saint-Germain, Transfers, William Saliba, Football, Fabrizio Romano
John McDougall
Topics: Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Mikel Arteta, Paris Saint-Germain, Transfers, William Saliba, Football, Fabrizio Romano
William Saliba committed his future to Arsenal over the summer with a new contract and wanted to stay amid interest from two European giants.
The 22-year-old has been with the Gunners since 2019 after joining for a £27m transfer fee from French side Saint-Etienne.
It has been over the past 18 months that Saliba has managed to solidify a regular starting place for Mikel Arteta's side, making 33 appearances for the Gunners last season as he earned a new deal.
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So far this campaign, Saliba has been an ever-present at the back for Arsenal and started every game so far in the Premier League whilst making 25 appearances in all competitions, as well as finding the back of the net once.
Upon agreeing a new deal with Saliba, his boss Arteta was clear that he sees the defender as a key player who has room to develop even further.
The Gunners boss said at the time: “To have William extend his contract with us was something we have wanted to do for a long time. William proved last season just how good and how important he is to our squad.
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"The ability he has at his young age of just 22 is exciting, and there is of course so much more room for development with any player at this stage of their career. We’re looking forward to continuing to work with William in the years to come.”
Saliba's new deal runs until the summer of 2027 and it means any club who wants to take the France international away from the Emirates Stadium will have to part with a fair chunk of cash or wait until his contract expires with the North London club.
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, there was no shortage of suitors interested in Saliba's services before he agreed his new deal, which has no release clause included in it.
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These were French side Paris Saint-Germain and German giants Bayern Munich.
Romano also reports that Saliba wanted to stay at Arsenal, who finished last season as runners-up to eventual Treble winners Manchester City.
It bodes well for the Gunners that Saliba has committed his future to the North London side, as they aim for their first top-flight crown in 20 years.