Arsenal seal ANOTHER deal – Fabrizio Romano

Tom Hancock

• 29 Jun 2023 16:44 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal have done another big piece of summer transfer business – by securing William Saliba’s future at the Emirates Stadium.

The centre-back was one of the Gunners’ standout performers in 2022/23 – which saw him finally make his debut for the club, having spent the previous three seasons on loan at former club Saint-Etienne, Nice and Marseille.

So, it was only natural that Arsenal would look to tie the eight-cap France international down to a new long-term contract ahead of the new campaign.

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And, according to Fabrizio Romano, the deal is “all done and sealed” – with an official announcement due after Saliba returns from his holiday.

Saliba is expected to extend his Arsenal stay until the end of the 2026/27 season, with the option of a further year on top of that.

The 22-year-old made 33 appearances for the Gunners last term – 27 of which came in the Premier League – and got himself on the scoresheet three times, before a back injury in March curtailed his campaign.

He was also included in France’s squad for the 2022 World Cup – having made his senior international debut earlier in the year – where he featured in Les Bleus’ final group-stage game against Tunisia.

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Saliba conspicuous by his absence

Saliba’s importance to the Arsenal cause was made all the more obvious during that two-month spell on the sidelines, as Mikel Arteta’s side faltered badly in their pursuit of the Premier League title – ultimately having to settle for second place behind Manchester City.

But the Gunners will return to the Champions League in 2023/24 after six seasons away – and Saliba’s solidity at the back will doubtless prove key to their chances of going deep in Europe.