Arsenal confirm new William Saliba contract after fending off Real Madrid interest

Arsenal have confirmed William Saliba has signed a new five-year contract to keep him at the club until 2030.

It is a huge boost for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta as the Gunners have tied down one of Europe’s best defenders for the long term. They fended off interest from Real Madrid who were hovering as Saliba entered the final two years of his Arsenal contract at the Emirates.

Real Madrid began a campaign to try and publicly court the France international so he would run down his deal and hope they may be able to tempt him to Spain. But Saliba, 24, committed himself to Arsenal as the club look to win major trophies under Arteta.

"William is loved by all the players and staff, and that speaks volumes about his character, commitment and attitude every day," Arteta said. "Since joining us, William has grown so much, embraced responsibility, and has created a strong connection with our supporters and everyone at the club.

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"We know there is still so much to come from him and will continue to work together to keep improving with the clear ambition of winning major trophies."

Saliba has revealed in the past that he had an Arsenal shirt as a kid and grew up watching the Gunners and their host of French stars, like Thierry Henry. Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has been at the heart of a purge of new contracts since taking charge last summer.

They have managed to get Gabriel - the other half of one of Europe’s top defensive partnerships with Saliba - to sign a deal. Arsenal have also got Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri on long term deals and their next target is Bukayo Saka.

Saka, 24, is also into the final two years of his contract and Mirror Football reported that talks have been very positive with Arsenal confident the England star will also commit himself. Saka has gone public in saying he also wants to commit himself to the club and enjoy success at the Emirates.

It is a huge boost for Arsenal to get their biggest players on new deals as Arteta has clearly convinced them about his plans despite missing out on the title, finishing runners-up three years in a row.

But Arteta insists Arsenal are now in the mix for the biggest trophies as they prepare to face Olympiacos on Wednesday night in the Champions League.

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