Arteta reveals why it was too important for Arsenal to renew William Saliba’s contract

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed his delight at the club’s decision to renew the contract of young defender William Saliba. The 22-year-old has signed a new long-term deal that will keep him at the club until June 2027.

Arteta believes that Saliba’s performances last season showcased his importance to the squad and highlighted his potential for further development. Despite suffering an injury towards the end of the campaign, Saliba started 27 league games and was considered one of Arteta’s best players.

“To have William extend his contract with us was something we have wanted to do for a long time,” Arteta said on the official Arsenal website. “William proved last season just how good and how important he is to our squad. The ability he has at his young age of just 22 is exciting, and there is, of course, so much more room for development with any player at this stage of their career. We’re looking forward to continuing to work with William in the years to come.”

Saliba’s presence in the Arsenal defense was crucial as they battled it out with Manchester City for the Premier League title last season. However, a defeat against Nottingham Forest in their 37th game week saw them lose out on lifting the trophy, with Manchester City ultimately claiming the title.

Despite falling short in their pursuit of glory, Arsenal finished the season with an impressive total of 84 points. They had led the league table for a remarkable 10 months but were unable to maintain their momentum until the end.

Saliba’s performances throughout the season were instrumental in Arsenal’s success. His defensive prowess and composure on the ball earned him plaudits from fans and pundits alike. His ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions helped solidify Arsenal’s backline.

LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 22: William Saliba celebrates the 3rd goal with the Arsenal fans during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 22, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

With Saliba committing his future to Arsenal, Arteta can now build upon a strong defensive foundation for years to come. The young Frenchman has already shown immense potential, and with the right guidance and development, he could become one of the best defenders in the league.

Saliba’s contract renewal is a statement of intent from Arsenal. It shows their commitment to nurturing young talent and building a team capable of challenging for major honors. With Arteta at the helm, Arsenal fans can be optimistic about the future and look forward to seeing Saliba continue to grow and excel in an Arsenal shirt.

As Arteta rightly said, there is still plenty of room for development for Saliba. With his talent and determination, there is no doubt that he will continue to improve and become an integral part of Arsenal’s success in the coming years.