William Saliba contract agreed as Arsenal fight off Real Madrid transfer interest

William Saliba has agreed to sign a new contract with Arsenal football.london understands. The Frenchman is set to commit key years of his career to the club, having. been convinced by the project with head coach Mikel Arteta.

He will become one of the best-paid players at the club, reflecting his standing with the team. Real Madrid had expressed interest in the defender, but Saliba has always maintained his desire to stay with the North London side.

While there had been some concern about the 24-year-old’s future with just over a year remaining on his current deal, the club had been calm for some time about the defender’s commitment. Andrea Berta, the new sporting director, has been involved in talks and the extension follows renewals of Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Gabriel Magalhaes this year.

Asked by football.london about his future in March Saliba said, "For me, I'm really happy here. I've been here for two years and a half as well. There is nothing. I'm happy here and I want to continue here."

The final details are due to be sorted imminently in what is a big boost to Mikel Arteta. Arsenal have strengthened further in the defence this summer with the arrivals of Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie.

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