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The renewal of William Saliba’s Arsenal contract follows the successful negotiation of Gabriel Magalhaes, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly’s deals this year. Bukayo Saka, football.london understands, is next on the club’s agenda, and there is confidence over an agreement with their talismanic winger.
At the start of the season, Saliba and Saka were entering the final two years of their deals, which brought with it the narrative from some that both might seek futures elsewhere unless Mikel Arteta showed the pair his side could compete. With clubs like Real Madrid known to be circling, this only worsened the paranoia for many supporters.
After missing out on a trophy for a fifth season in a row, the question had grown larger as to whether the club could keep their best talent. The answer has now been comfortably revealed while furthermore showcasing that not only can players stay, but some of the best in the world want to join.
Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze and Martin Zubimendi all had interest from other clubs in the summer, but the trio were set on joining the Mikel Arteta project at Arsenal. While the Spaniard certainly still has his doubters, there can be little debate about the feeling inside the walls of the Emirates Stadium.
When Saliba signed his previous deal in 2023, despite the club's hopes of agreeing to a five-year contract, they settled on a four-year deal. Edu Gaspar, the then sporting director, was heavily involved in the negotiations at the time.
Fast-forward to the present day, however, and Andrea Berta now heavily influences the club’s recruitment strategy and player retention plans. Saliba's five-year deal represents a serious statement for the club, Arteta, and those interested, like Real Madrid.
Saliba started in both of the wins over Los Blancos last season. It showed the world the level that Arsenal are operating on in the European elite, and while silverware eluded the club again, there is belief in and outside the club that the cups are indeed coming very soon.
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