Sport nationWilliam Saliba rejected two European giants before committing his future to Arsenal last summer
William Saliba rejected two European giants before committing his future to Arsenal last summer
William Saliba committed his future to Arsenal over the summer with a new contract and wanted to stay amid interest from two European giants.
The 22-year-old has been with the Gunners since 2019 after joining for a £27m transfer fee from French side Saint-Etienne.
It has been over the past 18 months that Saliba has managed to solidify a regular starting place for Mikel Arteta’s side, making 33 appearances for the Gunners last season as he earned a new deal.
So far this campaign, Saliba has been an ever-present at the back for Arsenal and started every game so far in the Premier League whilst making 25 appearances in all competitions, as well as finding the back of the net once.
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Upon agreeing a new deal with Saliba, his boss Arteta was clear that he sees the defender as a key player who has room to develop even further.
The Gunners boss said at the time: “To have William extend his contract with us was something we have wanted to do for a long time. 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.”
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Arsenal defender William Saliba. (Credit: Getty)
Arsenal defender William Saliba. (Credit: Getty)
Saliba’s new deal runs until the summer of 2027 and it means any club who wants to take the France international away from the Emirates Stadium will have to part with a fair chunk of cash or wait until his contract expires with the North London club.
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, there was no shortage of suitors interested in Saliba’s services before he agreed his new deal, which has no release clause included in it.
These were French side Paris Saint-Germain and German giants Bayern Munich.
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Romano also reports that Saliba wanted to stay at Arsenal, who finished last season as runners-up to eventual Treble winners Manchester City.
It bodes well for the Gunners that Saliba has committed his future to the North London side, as they aim for their first top-flight crown in 20 years.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Mikel Arteta, Paris Saint-Germain, Transfers, William Saliba, Football, Fabrizio Romano
John McDougall
Arsenal could save £50million next summer on William Saliba understudy
Joe Adams
Published 12:15, 03 May 2023 BST
| Last updated 12:24, 03 May 2023 BST
Arsenal could save £50million next summer on William Saliba understudy
Arsenal’s performance against Chelsea could save them millions in the transfer market this summer trying to find cover for William Saliba.
The Frenchman was absent for Tuesday’s 3-1 victory over Chelsea, as the Gunners rendered Frank Lampard to his fourth Premier League defeat in a row.
Goals from Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus ensured all three three points, as Mikel Arteta aims to keep pace with title rivals Manchester City.
Should they fail to lift the trophy this season, fingers will be pointed towards Saliba, who sustained a back injury against Sporting Lisbon last March.
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Indeed, his absence was sorely missed during three back-to-back league draws and a heavy 4-1 defeat to Pep Guardiola’s side.
Recent performances have led Arteta to consider back-up options in defence, with Rob holding struggling to replicate Saliba’s calming presence.
However, following Jakub Kiwior’s assured performance against Chelsea, the Gunners boss may need look no further than the Poland international, who seamlessly adjusted to the right-hand side of defence.
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Arsenal finding ways to cope without Saliba
Kiwior was originally signed to help provide competition for Gabriel Magalhaes, however, the pair formed a useful partnership on Tuesday evening.
Questions were raised over Kiwior’s ability to play on the right-hand side of a back four, being naturally left-footed.
However, the 22-year-old put any doubters to rest, suggesting Arteta might not need to invest in that position after all.
ADVERT
Speaking after the game, Arteta waxed lyrical about the defender, revealing he is ‘more settled’ at the club.
“I really like Kiwior, that’s why we signed him. He’s been getting better and better”.
“He’s more settled. He has the potential at his age to be great and he had a big task against the players he had to face today, and I think he did really well”.
Recent reports have linked Arsenal with a move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who is able to play on both the left and right-hand side of defence.
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However, the Englishman won’t come cheap, with a £50 million price tag being touted, claim the Daily Mail.
While Guehi’s former club Chelsea would be beneficiaries of any potential transfer – and keen to squeeze every penny out of a deal as they seek to raise funds to stay within Financial Fair Play rules.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Arsenal, William Saliba, Marc Guehi, Mikel Arteta, Premier League, Football
Joe Adams
Arsenal may struggle to keep William Saliba as ‘three major clubs’ make contact over summer transfer
Joe Adams
Published 15:42, 17 May 2023 BST
| Last updated 15:56, 17 May 2023 BST
Arsenal may struggle to keep William Saliba as ‘three major clubs’ make contact over summer transfer
Arsenal may struggle to keep William Saliba with a number of clubs keen to sign him this summer, according to the latest reports.
Saliba has been a rock at the back for Arsenal this season, forming a formidable partnership alongside Gabriel Magalhaes.
The Frenchman’s importance has been underpinned by the Gunners’ recent form, with the team struggling to cope in his absence.
Saliba picked up a back injury against Sporting Lisbon in March which has seemingly knocked Arsenal’s title challenge off course.
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Their 3-0 defeat to Brighton last weekend all but sealed their destiny, with title rivals Manchester City now four points clear and with a game in hand over the north London side.
David Ornsetin of The Athletic claimed that Saliba would miss the rest of the campaign due to the injury, but will not require any surgery.
Meanwhile, supporters are desperate for the 21-year-old to sign a new contract at the Emirates, with his current deal due to expire next summer.
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And to add to concern, the latest reports have suggested Mikel Arteta must act fast, with an array of clubs keen to poach him this summer.
‘Three major clubs’ keen on Saliba
According to French news outlet RMC Sport, Arsenal have started negotiations with Saliba over a new deal, but ‘no agreement has been reached’ so far.
While the publication also states that ‘three top clubs’ have enquired about the France international, following a hugely impressive debut season in the Premier League.
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Not too long ago Saliba looked like he may never kick a ball at the Emirates following several loan spells away.
However, an exceptional season at Marseille which earned him the Young Player of the Year award has paved the way for an almighty resurgence.
Arteta will be banking on his prized defender to pen fresh terms and play a major part in their busy Champions League schedule next season.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Arsenal, William Saliba, Premier League, Mikel Arteta, Football, Transfers
Joe Adams
William Saliba has dropped a hint over his immediate Arsenal future amid contract fears
Joe Adams
Published 13:53, 05 May 2023 BST
| Last updated 14:06, 05 May 2023 BST
William Saliba has dropped a hint over his immediate Arsenal future amid contract fears
William Saliba has dropped a major hint regarding his future at Arsenal, amid concerns surrounding a new deal.
Saliba has enjoyed a breakout season under Mikel Arteta, announcing himself as one of the Premier League’s stand out defenders.
But a back injury he suffered against Sporting Lisbon in March has hampered his progress.
In the Frenchman’s absence, Arsenal have seen Manchester City overtake them in the league standings, with the Gunners’ title hopes slipping from their grasp.
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To add to concern, Saliba is yet to sign a new contract at the Emirates, with his current deal due to expire in 2024, after the club triggered the option to extend his stay by a further year.
While transfer expert David Ornstein provided a worrying update on the situation last month.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand’s Youtube channel Five, Ornstein revealed: “We haven’t heard any evidence to suggest there’s an agreement close or in place yet for that [Saliba’s contract].
“It kind of underlines his importance since he’s been out and that may play into the contract negotiation, but for the time being it’s a player that Arsenal are going to have to do without [due to injury],” he added.
However, following a short snoop around social media, Saliba would appear to be planning his long-term future in north London.
Saliba drops hint over Arsenal future
French retailer Sport-Protech posted a series of pictures on Instagram showing them installing a new home gym at Saliba’s house in London, suggesting the 22-year-old has no plans to relocate this summer.
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The project features a treadmill, exercise bike, and bench press alongside a framed picture of Michael Jordan and another one of the Peaky Blinders’ Shelby brothers.
It remains to be seen whether Saliba will return to action before the end of the season, with Arteta keeping his cards typicaly close to his chest.
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s 3-1 victory over Chelsea, the Arsenal boss said: “He’s not going to be involved tomorrow. We will have to wait until the next game to see where we are.”
The Gunners face Newcastle next in the Premier League, and require all three points if they are to stand any chance of pipping Pep Guardiola’s side to the title.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy & Instagram @sportprotechcom
Topics: Arsenal, William Saliba, Mikel Arteta, Football, Premier League
Joe Adams
Man Utd ‘made approach for Arsenal star William Saliba’ amid Arsenal contract stand-off
Ryan Smart
Published 12:03, 15 June 2023 BST
| Last updated 12:04, 15 June 2023 BST
Man Utd ‘made approach for Arsenal star William Saliba’ amid Arsenal contract stand-off
Manchester United made an approach over the signing of Arsenal defender William Saliba before the France international agreed to a new contract, according to reports.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported on Saturday that the 22-year-old had agreed to sign a new long-term deal that will keep him at the Emirates Stadium until 2027.
Although the contract is not yet officially signed, the news has come as a great boost to manager Mikel Arteta after months of talks with the centre-back.
Saliba was a key player for the Gunners throughout the 2022/23 season, but his campaign was ended prematurely due to a back injury suffered in February.
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The Frenchman, who was a part of France’s World Cup squad, formed a strong central defensive partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes at Arsenal this season. He started every Premier League game until his injury, and Arteta described him as ‘exceptional’ for the way in which he adapted to first team football in England.
PSG had been linked with attempting to acquire his services throughout the season, as uncertainty over his Arsenal future continued. His current deal expires next summer, meaning he would have been able to discuss a pre-contract with overseas clubs in January.
Now, it has been reported that another surprise club were involved in the race.
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Man Utd wanted Saliba
According to French outlet RMC Sport, United had been monitoring Saliba’s situation at Arsenal and had enquired over a move for the defender prior to his decision to sign a new contract.
Erik ten Hag is on the lookout for a centre-back to add to his squad, with United reportedly closing in on a move to sign Napoli star Kim Min-jae.
If Saliba had moved to Old Trafford, he would have followed a path trodden by several Arsenal stars in the past.
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Chief amongst them is Robin van Persie, who controversially swapped clubs in 2012 before winning his first Premier League title in the following season.
And Alexis Sanchez joined United from the Gunners in 2018, but did not enjoy success at Old Trafford.
As well as United, RMC also claim that Bayern Munich were in the running for Saliba – but the Frenchman has firmly decided to stick with Arsenal.
William Saliba rejected two European giants before committing his future to Arsenal last summer
William Saliba rejected two European giants before committing his future to Arsenal last summer
William Saliba committed his future to Arsenal over the summer with a new contract and wanted to stay amid interest from two European giants.
The 22-year-old has been with the Gunners since 2019 after joining for a £27m transfer fee from French side Saint-Etienne.
It has been over the past 18 months that Saliba has managed to solidify a regular starting place for Mikel Arteta’s side, making 33 appearances for the Gunners last season as he earned a new deal.
So far this campaign, Saliba has been an ever-present at the back for Arsenal and started every game so far in the Premier League whilst making 25 appearances in all competitions, as well as finding the back of the net once.
ADVERT
LOADING…
Upon agreeing a new deal with Saliba, his boss Arteta was clear that he sees the defender as a key player who has room to develop even further.
The Gunners boss said at the time: “To have William extend his contract with us was something we have wanted to do for a long time. 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.”
ADVERT
Arsenal defender William Saliba. (Credit: Getty)
Arsenal defender William Saliba. (Credit: Getty)
Saliba’s new deal runs until the summer of 2027 and it means any club who wants to take the France international away from the Emirates Stadium will have to part with a fair chunk of cash or wait until his contract expires with the North London club.
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, there was no shortage of suitors interested in Saliba’s services before he agreed his new deal, which has no release clause included in it.
These were French side Paris Saint-Germain and German giants Bayern Munich.
ADVERT
Romano also reports that Saliba wanted to stay at Arsenal, who finished last season as runners-up to eventual Treble winners Manchester City.
It bodes well for the Gunners that Saliba has committed his future to the North London side, as they aim for their first top-flight crown in 20 years.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Mikel Arteta, Paris Saint-Germain, Transfers, William Saliba, Football, Fabrizio Romano
John McDougall
Arsenal could save £50million next summer on William Saliba understudy
Joe Adams
Published 12:15, 03 May 2023 BST
| Last updated 12:24, 03 May 2023 BST
Arsenal could save £50million next summer on William Saliba understudy
Arsenal’s performance against Chelsea could save them millions in the transfer market this summer trying to find cover for William Saliba.
The Frenchman was absent for Tuesday’s 3-1 victory over Chelsea, as the Gunners rendered Frank Lampard to his fourth Premier League defeat in a row.
Goals from Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus ensured all three three points, as Mikel Arteta aims to keep pace with title rivals Manchester City.
Should they fail to lift the trophy this season, fingers will be pointed towards Saliba, who sustained a back injury against Sporting Lisbon last March.
ADVERT
Indeed, his absence was sorely missed during three back-to-back league draws and a heavy 4-1 defeat to Pep Guardiola’s side.
Recent performances have led Arteta to consider back-up options in defence, with Rob holding struggling to replicate Saliba’s calming presence.
However, following Jakub Kiwior’s assured performance against Chelsea, the Gunners boss may need look no further than the Poland international, who seamlessly adjusted to the right-hand side of defence.
ADVERT
Arsenal finding ways to cope without Saliba
Kiwior was originally signed to help provide competition for Gabriel Magalhaes, however, the pair formed a useful partnership on Tuesday evening.
Questions were raised over Kiwior’s ability to play on the right-hand side of a back four, being naturally left-footed.
However, the 22-year-old put any doubters to rest, suggesting Arteta might not need to invest in that position after all.
ADVERT
Speaking after the game, Arteta waxed lyrical about the defender, revealing he is ‘more settled’ at the club.
“I really like Kiwior, that’s why we signed him. He’s been getting better and better”.
“He’s more settled. He has the potential at his age to be great and he had a big task against the players he had to face today, and I think he did really well”.
Recent reports have linked Arsenal with a move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who is able to play on both the left and right-hand side of defence.
ADVERT
However, the Englishman won’t come cheap, with a £50 million price tag being touted, claim the Daily Mail.
While Guehi’s former club Chelsea would be beneficiaries of any potential transfer – and keen to squeeze every penny out of a deal as they seek to raise funds to stay within Financial Fair Play rules.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Arsenal, William Saliba, Marc Guehi, Mikel Arteta, Premier League, Football
Joe Adams
Arsenal may struggle to keep William Saliba as ‘three major clubs’ make contact over summer transfer
Joe Adams
Published 15:42, 17 May 2023 BST
| Last updated 15:56, 17 May 2023 BST
Arsenal may struggle to keep William Saliba as ‘three major clubs’ make contact over summer transfer
Arsenal may struggle to keep William Saliba with a number of clubs keen to sign him this summer, according to the latest reports.
Saliba has been a rock at the back for Arsenal this season, forming a formidable partnership alongside Gabriel Magalhaes.
The Frenchman’s importance has been underpinned by the Gunners’ recent form, with the team struggling to cope in his absence.
Saliba picked up a back injury against Sporting Lisbon in March which has seemingly knocked Arsenal’s title challenge off course.
ADVERT
Their 3-0 defeat to Brighton last weekend all but sealed their destiny, with title rivals Manchester City now four points clear and with a game in hand over the north London side.
David Ornsetin of The Athletic claimed that Saliba would miss the rest of the campaign due to the injury, but will not require any surgery.
Meanwhile, supporters are desperate for the 21-year-old to sign a new contract at the Emirates, with his current deal due to expire next summer.
ADVERT
And to add to concern, the latest reports have suggested Mikel Arteta must act fast, with an array of clubs keen to poach him this summer.
‘Three major clubs’ keen on Saliba
According to French news outlet RMC Sport, Arsenal have started negotiations with Saliba over a new deal, but ‘no agreement has been reached’ so far.
While the publication also states that ‘three top clubs’ have enquired about the France international, following a hugely impressive debut season in the Premier League.
ADVERT
Not too long ago Saliba looked like he may never kick a ball at the Emirates following several loan spells away.
However, an exceptional season at Marseille which earned him the Young Player of the Year award has paved the way for an almighty resurgence.
Arteta will be banking on his prized defender to pen fresh terms and play a major part in their busy Champions League schedule next season.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Arsenal, William Saliba, Premier League, Mikel Arteta, Football, Transfers
Joe Adams
William Saliba has dropped a hint over his immediate Arsenal future amid contract fears
Joe Adams
Published 13:53, 05 May 2023 BST
| Last updated 14:06, 05 May 2023 BST
William Saliba has dropped a hint over his immediate Arsenal future amid contract fears
William Saliba has dropped a major hint regarding his future at Arsenal, amid concerns surrounding a new deal.
Saliba has enjoyed a breakout season under Mikel Arteta, announcing himself as one of the Premier League’s stand out defenders.
But a back injury he suffered against Sporting Lisbon in March has hampered his progress.
In the Frenchman’s absence, Arsenal have seen Manchester City overtake them in the league standings, with the Gunners’ title hopes slipping from their grasp.
ADVERT
To add to concern, Saliba is yet to sign a new contract at the Emirates, with his current deal due to expire in 2024, after the club triggered the option to extend his stay by a further year.
While transfer expert David Ornstein provided a worrying update on the situation last month.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand’s Youtube channel Five, Ornstein revealed: “We haven’t heard any evidence to suggest there’s an agreement close or in place yet for that [Saliba’s contract].
“It kind of underlines his importance since he’s been out and that may play into the contract negotiation, but for the time being it’s a player that Arsenal are going to have to do without [due to injury],” he added.
However, following a short snoop around social media, Saliba would appear to be planning his long-term future in north London.
Saliba drops hint over Arsenal future
French retailer Sport-Protech posted a series of pictures on Instagram showing them installing a new home gym at Saliba’s house in London, suggesting the 22-year-old has no plans to relocate this summer.
ADVERT
The project features a treadmill, exercise bike, and bench press alongside a framed picture of Michael Jordan and another one of the Peaky Blinders’ Shelby brothers.
It remains to be seen whether Saliba will return to action before the end of the season, with Arteta keeping his cards typicaly close to his chest.
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s 3-1 victory over Chelsea, the Arsenal boss said: “He’s not going to be involved tomorrow. We will have to wait until the next game to see where we are.”
The Gunners face Newcastle next in the Premier League, and require all three points if they are to stand any chance of pipping Pep Guardiola’s side to the title.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy & Instagram @sportprotechcom
Topics: Arsenal, William Saliba, Mikel Arteta, Football, Premier League
Joe Adams
Man Utd ‘made approach for Arsenal star William Saliba’ amid Arsenal contract stand-off
Ryan Smart
Published 12:03, 15 June 2023 BST
| Last updated 12:04, 15 June 2023 BST
Man Utd ‘made approach for Arsenal star William Saliba’ amid Arsenal contract stand-off
Manchester United made an approach over the signing of Arsenal defender William Saliba before the France international agreed to a new contract, according to reports.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported on Saturday that the 22-year-old had agreed to sign a new long-term deal that will keep him at the Emirates Stadium until 2027.
Although the contract is not yet officially signed, the news has come as a great boost to manager Mikel Arteta after months of talks with the centre-back.
Saliba was a key player for the Gunners throughout the 2022/23 season, but his campaign was ended prematurely due to a back injury suffered in February.
ADVERT
The Frenchman, who was a part of France’s World Cup squad, formed a strong central defensive partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes at Arsenal this season. He started every Premier League game until his injury, and Arteta described him as ‘exceptional’ for the way in which he adapted to first team football in England.
PSG had been linked with attempting to acquire his services throughout the season, as uncertainty over his Arsenal future continued. His current deal expires next summer, meaning he would have been able to discuss a pre-contract with overseas clubs in January.
Now, it has been reported that another surprise club were involved in the race.
ADVERT
Man Utd wanted Saliba
According to French outlet RMC Sport, United had been monitoring Saliba’s situation at Arsenal and had enquired over a move for the defender prior to his decision to sign a new contract.
Erik ten Hag is on the lookout for a centre-back to add to his squad, with United reportedly closing in on a move to sign Napoli star Kim Min-jae.
If Saliba had moved to Old Trafford, he would have followed a path trodden by several Arsenal stars in the past.
ADVERT
Chief amongst them is Robin van Persie, who controversially swapped clubs in 2012 before winning his first Premier League title in the following season.
And Alexis Sanchez joined United from the Gunners in 2018, but did not enjoy success at Old Trafford.
As well as United, RMC also claim that Bayern Munich were in the running for Saliba – but the Frenchman has firmly decided to stick with Arsenal.
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