Saliba signs five-year contract to keep Arsenal defender at club through 2030

Arsenal defender William Saliba has agreed a new five-year contract with the club, tying him to Arsenal through 2030. The 24-year-old France international had two years left on his existing deal, but BBC Sport has been told he will sign in the coming days to extend his stay. Saliba joined Arsenal from Saint-Etienne in July 2019 and spent the 2019-20 season on loan back at Saint-Etienne before later spells in Ligue 1 with Nice and Marseille. He has established himself as a key part of manager Mikel Arteta's defense since making his debut in August 2022, and has made 137 appearances for Arsenal. His form had drawn transfer interest from Real Madrid.

Saliba's commitment comes as his centre-back partner Gabriel Magalhaes agreed a long-term contract until 2029 in June. He has 28 caps for France since his 2022 debut. Arsenal's defensive spine now features two players tied to long contracts as the club looks to push in the Premier League and Champions League under Arteta.

Arsenal travel to St James' Park to face Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday.