Arsenal is no stranger to the disruptive influence that major football clubs can have when expressing interest in their players. Even during their dominant period from 1997 to 2005, it was a constant challenge to retain their `Invincibles` squad members from external approaches.
Mikel Arteta experienced this firsthand as a player, joining Arsenal from Everton in 2011 to a squad unsettled by the departures of Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona and Samir Nasri to Manchester City – just two examples in a history of star players moving on. Throughout his five years at the club, contract disputes were a recurring theme, involving players like Theo Walcott and even manager Arsene Wenger. The relative calm in the early 2020s regarding player retention, excluding Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, might have simply indicated a lack of elite interest in most Arsenal players at the time.
However, the situation has changed. William Saliba`s new five-year contract extension, expected to be announced by Arsenal soon, was secured with surprising ease. This is particularly notable given that, as Arteta implicitly confirmed on Friday, Real Madrid had been closely monitoring the gifted young center-back, prepared to make a move as his previous contract neared its end.
Reports from the Spanish media and various influencers consistently suggested that Real Madrid saw Saliba as an ideal future signing. Their strategy mirrored past approaches used for players like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kylian Mbappe, and Antonio Rudiger: make their interest known universally, imply that a transfer fee is unfeasible, and assure the player that an offer would materialize once they entered the final six months of their contract.
This “noise,” as Arteta termed it, warranted a conversation. The Arsenal manager was delighted by Saliba`s response.
“When you hear such rumors and recognize the expectations that come with them, it`s natural for players, often influenced by their upbringing, to have aspirations,” Arteta explained to CBS Sports. “But when I spoke with William directly, he clearly expressed, in his own straightforward manner, `No, I want to remain here, I want to play for you, and I am very content,` which was fantastic to hear.”
When asked specifically if his discussions with Saliba concerned Real Madrid`s interest, Arteta maintained that he spoke in generalities. Nevertheless, he conceded that any broad discussion about Saliba`s future inherently touches upon the possibility of a move to Madrid, as they are among the very few clubs capable of both affording and realistically attracting a player of Saliba`s caliber.
“Given the widespread speculation surrounding specific clubs, it was evident,” Arteta stated. “While there`s no need to name many teams, there are very few clubs that could genuinely lure Willy away from Arsenal. He was completely transparent and honest with us from the outset.”
Yesterday`s confirmation of Saliba`s impending contract renewal likely accounts for Arteta`s buoyant mood, particularly before a potentially challenging trip to Newcastle. Not long ago, the mention of the French defender could make his manager visibly anxious, as Saliba`s impressive loan spell at Marseille generated not only excitement among Arsenal fans but also inquiries into why he wasn`t retained in North London.
With their professional partnership now potentially solidified until 2030, Arteta openly admitted that their relationship had faced challenges in earlier years. These issues have clearly dissipated, which is unsurprising given Saliba`s pivotal role as a central figure in what has become one of football`s strongest defenses.
“He has been crucial to our achievements over the past few years,” Arteta remarked. “It`s encouraging to see so many players eager and thriving to join the club. This indicates their happiness, sense of being valued, and their belief that Arsenal offers the best path to advance their careers and realize the club`s ambitions.”
“What he has accomplished at such a young age is truly impressive, something we often overlook. His consistent performance, continuous development, and personal maturity, alongside his expanding role within the team, have been remarkable year after year,” Arteta added. “He has forged a strong defensive partnership, particularly with Gabriel Magalhaes, and with the entire backline and goalkeeper, contributing significantly to our excellent defensive record over the last three years.”
When asked if Saliba had surpassed his initial expectations, Arteta replied, “I would say yes, especially considering the early stages of our relationship, where we likely held different ideas or expectations regarding the optimal development pathway for him to reach his full potential.”
“Eventually, we aligned our perspectives and began working collaboratively. From that point, with the support of coaches and teammates, his talent blossomed, as his immense potential was always evident. It ultimately came down to timing and, crucially in my view, establishing the ideal environment and supportive team for him to showcase his abilities.”
Saliba is the latest among key players whose contracts were set to expire in 2027 to sign a long-term extension, following Gabriel (Gabriel Martinelli, whose terms also expire soon, has a 12-month extension option). The club`s next priority is Bukayo Saka, the talented Hale End academy product, who is committed to helping the team achieve significant trophies.
“I would certainly welcome that,” Arteta responded to CBS Sports regarding potential updates on Saka`s contract. “Based on my understanding, he is incredibly happy and proud of his role at the club. Matters tend to progress naturally, as they always do, and everyone recognizes Bukayo`s vital importance to us, so I am hopeful we can finalize it.”
Once Saka`s deal is secured, Arsenal will have its most crucial players committed until at least 2028 – with one notable exception. Arteta`s next display of such good humor might well coincide with the extension of his own contract, which is set to expire in under two years.
