Saliba hoping to ‘become baest’ after signing new deal

Arsenal centre-back William Saliba says he has signed a new five-year contract at the club because boss Mikel Arteta and his staff can help him “become the best” defender in the world. The 24-year-old France international’s previous deal was scheduled to expire in June 2027 and speculation had linked him with being a target for […]

Arsenal centre-back William Saliba says he has signed a new five-year contract at the club because boss Mikel Arteta and his staff can help him “become the best” defender in the world.

The 24-year-old France international’s previous deal was scheduled to expire in June 2027 and speculation had linked him with being a target for Real Madrid.

Saliba joined the Gunners from Ligue 1 side Saint-Etienne in July 2019 and was loaned back to the French club for the 2019-20 season before having further loan spells in Ligue 1 at Nice and Marseille.

He made his Arsenal debut in August 2022 and has established himself as a key member of the side, making 105 league appearances for the Gunners, scoring six goals and