Arsenal defender William Saliba has provided an update over his long-term future after being quizzed on whether he will commit to a new contract, amid rumbling interest from Real Madrid.
The Spanish giants have long-courted Saliba, with multiple reports this year suggesting that the France international is their No 1 target at centre back.
Saliba’s current deal at the Emirates expires in the summer of 2027, having only signed the new contract last season, worth around £10million per season.
Nevertheless, there is urgency among Arsenal fans for the club to tie their star player down for even longer.
After the Gunners’ 3-2 preseason victory against Newcastle in Singapore , Saliba was approached in the stadium tunnel and asked when he would sign a new contract.
‘Hopefully soon,’ the 24-year-old told AFTV, before crossing his fingers, pointing upwards and adding: ‘God is great.’
William Saliba revealed that he wants to ‘hopefully soon’ sign a new contract with Arsenal
Multiple reports this year have linked the France international with a move to Real Madrid
Arsenal have already secured new long-term deals for Gabriel, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly this summer
When asked what he is looking forward to most about the 2025-26 season, Saliba replied: ‘Winning everything. FA Cup, Champions League, Premier League and Carabao Cup, hopefully.’
With his comments, Saliba has doubled down on his commitment to win major silverware in north London.
He said in March: ‘I want to win big things with Arsenal. If you leave this club without winning anything the fans will forget about you. I want to win big things here.’
Saliba joined Arsenal in 2019 from Saint-Etienne for £27m. He has since become a stalwart at centre back and formed a rock-solid partnership alongside Gabriel.
Saliba has made 134 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners, keeping 58 clean sheets in those matches.
He has twice been included in the PFA Team of the Year in 2022-23 and 2023-24.
Arsenal have already secured new long-term deals for Gabriel, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly this summer.
Meanwhile, on the transfer front, they have added Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Cristian Mosquera, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Christian Norgaard to their ranks for the 2025-26 season.
