William Saliba slams door on Real Madrid transfer with Arsenal contract statement

William Saliba will sign a new long-term deal with Arsenal as he commits his future to the Gunners. The centre-half has proved himself to be one of Europe's best in his position and Real Madrid were circling, but he will put pen to paper on a new contract at the Emirates.

It is understood that contract talks opened back in May as the north Londoners looked to tie down their defensive leader, who has been crucial to their rise under Mikel Arteta.

Real have made a habit in recent years of landing players when their contracts expire - Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe and Trent Alexander-Arnold leading examples - and were keeping tabs on the situation. Saliba had always underlined his happiness in London and is now set to prove that.

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The Frenchman played 51 times for Arsenal last term as they finished second in the Premier League for the third consecutive campaign and reached the Champions League semi-final.

Saliba was signed back when Unai Emery was in charge, joining from Saint-Etienne before he had several loan spells back in his homeland. He is yet to win a trophy at the Emirates with the club's drought dating back to the FA Cup in 2020.

However with Saliba at the heart of their backline Arsenal's defence have forged a reputation as arguably the best in Europe. The Frenchman has a sensational partnership with Gabriel. Saliba has played more Premier League minutes than any other Arsenal outfielder in each of the past two seasons - underlining his importance.

Asked whether he will sign a new contract in July, he said: “Yes, hopefully - of course there is nothing now but there is a good conversation with my agent and the club. Let’s see.”

Saliba was already the best-paid defender at Arsenal, and this new contract will only cement that status with his salary ultimately reflecting his status as one of Europe's best in his position.

Arsenal have been able to retain all of their top talent since their rise despite several of them being linked with moves away. Gabriel signed fresh terms in June whilst Belgian Leandro Trossard, who was linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, and academy graduates Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly have also signed new deals.

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