Why Saliba's New Contract Is So Crucial for Arsenal

Arsenal no longer needs to worry about losing their key central defender, William Saliba, in the near future. Although there were rumors of him joining Real Madrid, such speculation was quickly dispelled following the latest developments in the player's contract with Arsenal.

Saliba, according to The Athletic on Thursday (September 25, 2025), has agreed to a five-year contract extension with the Gunners. He will sign the new deal in the next few days. His contract will be significantly extended from the original until the summer of 2027 to 2030.

The 24-year-old defender has been repeatedly linked with Madrid. However, he has consistently dismissed such rumors. For instance, in March, he stated that he was still happy and wanted to win trophies with Arsenal. Saliba also explained that discussions regarding a new contract with the club went smoothly last July.

For the team managed by Mikel Arteta, the contract extension of Saliba is crucial. The player's role has remained irreplaceable in Arsenal's defense to this day. He is the key player for the club in achieving the best defensive record in the Premier League over the past two seasons.

Statistical records can further highlight their role. When Saliba plays, Arsenal averages a 67.3 percent win rate while conceding only 0.8 goals in the Premier League. Without him, the win percentage drops significantly to 46.7 percent, and the goals conceded worsen considerably to 1.5 goals.

The Arsenal defensive duo, Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, is touted as the best in Europe. One acknowledgment comes from legendary English defender Rio Ferdinand. Saliba and Gabriel complement each other, creating a remarkably solid combination.

The good thing is that the players want to stay here and wish to be a significant part of the history of this club for the coming years.

Regardless of that, the extension of the contract for the French national team player is not just about on-field influence. Saliba can also impact the morale of the entire club. His commitment strengthens Arsenal's status as one of the major clubs at the top of the "food chain."

Usually, most clubs can only resign themselves when their players are approached by Madrid. The Spanish giant is the biggest magnet for players. For example, last summer, when wing-back Trent Alexander-Arnold sacrificed his legendary status at Liverpool to join Madrid.

Coincidentally, Arsenal's image as a major team is also somewhat weak. Especially during the era of manager Arsene Wenger (1996-2018), they often served as a stepping stone for star players. "The Gunners" repeatedly sold players who were in their prime to larger clubs.

Saliba could wait to move as a free transfer to Madrid in 2027. This method has been employed by Alexander-Arnold and striker Kylian Mbappe. He could also wait a year for his transfer value to drop significantly. However, his ambition to be one of the best center-backs still aligns with Arsenal.

Arsenal's ambition to become the best club was very evident last summer. They did not let go of any key players. At the same time, Arsenal became the club with the largest net transfer expenditure in Europe by bringing in eight new players at once.

"The good thing is that the players want to stay here and want to be a significant part of the history of this club for the coming years. Andrea Berta (sporting director) will encourage that, and we will see where it leads," said Arteta when asked about Saliba's future in early September.

When comparing the squad photo of Arsenal from the 2020-2021 season to that of 2025-26, only three players remain the same: Saliba, Gabriel, and Bukayo Saka. They are the foundational elements of Arteta's project. Saliba's commitment underscores that this significant project will not dissolve before it flourishes.

Hunger and curiosity for the title have become additional fuel for Saliba and his teammates this season. They have consistently failed to win the Premier League in the last three seasons, always finishing in second place. Last season, they could only reach the semifinals of the Champions League.

Saliba's desire to stay was revealed last year. He wanted to lead Arsenal to glory as a way to prove himself. "I'm on my way to becoming the best defender in the world. I'm one of the best, but to be able to talk about that, I have to win titles," he told Fox Sports.

With the new contract for Saliba, the Arsenal squad appears increasingly promising for the future. Only Saka, the sole star player, will have his contract expire in the next two years. The extension of Saka's contract will also complete Arsenal's long-term project. (AP/REUTERS)