Arsenal agree new William Saliba deal as French defender commits till 2027

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Arsenal have tied down talented defender William Saliba to a new contract, according to reports.

The Gunners were closing in on the player in the last couple of months, and according to The Athletic, the French centre-back has penned a new four-year deal at the club.

Saliba, who joined Arsenal in 2019, spent the precious three seasons on loan at various French clubs. He had stints with Saint Etienne, OGC Nice and Marseille last season. He played for Arsenal in the 2022-23 season and was a crucial performer for them.

The 22-year-old's performance in his first season in the Premier League was widely praised as the defender became a key part of Arsenal's title bid and eventual second-placed finish in the league. The Gunners manager Mikel Arteta was keen to keep Saliba, whose previous contract was expiring at the end of the 2023-24 season.

Saliba played 33 games for the North London club across all competitions in the recently-concluded season, out of wich, 27 were in the league. He also netted 3 goals in his debut season in England.

Saliba was being courted by PSG in France whereas several other clubs in Europe were also showing interest. But it will come as a huge relief to the North London club, who have managed to extend four of their top young players this season.

Apart from the France international, goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, and attackers Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka have also penned a long-term deal at the Premier League club.