William Saliba Commits to Arsenal Until 2030 Amid Real Madrid Interest

William Saliba has officially signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal, committing his future to the club until the summer of 2030. The 24-year-old French international, widely regarded as one of the finest centre-backs in world football, has become a cornerstone of Mikel Arteta’s defensive setup since making his competitive debut in 2022 following loan spells in Ligue 1.

Saliba’s extension comes amid reported interest from Real Madrid, who had hoped to lure him away as his previous deal approached its final two years. However, the defender reaffirmed his loyalty to Arsenal, citing his strong connection with the club, the squad, and the coaching staff. “I feel at home. We have a good team, we have a good squad, we have good staff. The coach is perfect for me, so it's the best place to be,” Saliba said in an interview with the club’s official website.

Since joining Arsenal from Saint-Etienne in 2019, Saliba has made 140 appearances across all competitions, scoring seven goals. His performances have earned him multiple individual accolades, including selections in the PFA Team of the Year and UEFA’s Team of the Tournament at Euro 2024. He has also helped Arsenal maintain one of the Premier League’s most formidable defensive records over the past two seasons.

Manager Mikel Arteta expressed his delight at Saliba’s decision to stay, praising his character and development. “William is loved by all the players and staff, and that speaks volumes about his character, commitment and attitude every day. Since joining us, William has grown so much, embraced responsibility, and has created a strong connection with our supporters and everyone at the club,” Arteta said.

Sporting director Andrea Berta echoed the sentiment, showing Saliba’s composure, intelligence, and physical presence as key attributes that make him one of the best defenders in the game. “We’re so happy that William has committed his future to us to be part of what we’re building here,” Berta stated.

Saliba’s renewal follows similar contract extensions for fellow centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes and promising academy talents Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, signaling Arsenal’s intent to secure its core players as the club continues its pursuit of major trophies under Arteta’s leadership.