Arteta is confident Saliba wants to stay at Arsenal

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed his confidence that star defender William Saliba is committed to staying at the club for the long term. The French centre-back has been a revelation since breaking into the first team, and his performances have made him one of the most sought-after young defenders in Europe.

Saliba’s Rise to Stardom

After joining Arsenal in 2019 for £27 million, Saliba spent time on loan at Saint-Étienne, Nice, and Marseille before finally getting his chance under Arteta. Since then, he has formed a formidable partnership with Gabriel Magalhães, helping Arsenal challenge for major honours. His composure, pace, and defensive intelligence have been vital to the Gunners’ success, making him a fan favourite.

Arteta’s Assurance

With top European clubs reportedly monitoring Saliba’s situation, Arteta has dismissed concerns over the defender’s future. Speaking in a recent press conference, the Arsenal boss said:

“I’m very confident that William wants to be here. He’s happy here, you can see the way he plays and the connection he has with the team and the fans. We want to build our future with players like him.”

Saliba’s current contract runs until 2027, but Arsenal are keen to secure his long-term commitment with improved terms, reflecting his importance to the squad.

Why Saliba is Key to Arsenal’s Future

At just 23, Saliba is already one of the Premier League’s best defenders. His ability to play out from the back, combined with his defensive solidity, makes him the perfect modern centre-back. Alongside Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard, he is part of a young core that Arteta is building around.

With Arsenal aiming to compete for the biggest trophies, keeping Saliba is crucial. The club’s recent progress under Arteta—including back-to-back title challenges—suggests that the project is moving in the right direction, which could further convince Saliba to stay.

What’s Next?

While transfer rumours will always swirl around elite players, Arteta’s comments should reassure fans that Saliba sees his future at the Emirates. If Arsenal continue to strengthen and challenge for silverware, there’s every reason to believe the Frenchman will remain a cornerstone of the team for years to come.

For now, Gunners supporters can breathe easy—their defensive rock looks set to stay.

What do you think? Should Arsenal prioritise a new contract for Saliba? Let us know in the comments!