Goli Innocent 
William Saliba’s future at the club was almost in the air, with many suitors circulating, but the French international who has become a wall for the Gunners has finally put pen to paper, with an increase in wages, better bonuses and an elongated stay at the Emirates.
The 22-year-old defender has been a first-team regular for Mikel Arteta’s side after spending time on loan at Marseille and Nice.
Saliba joined the Gunners from former club Saint-Etienne in 2019 for a fee of around £27 million.
However, he did not make his first-team debut with the North London club until August 2022 against Crystal Palace.
The France international made 27 Premier League appearances for the Gunners in the 2022/23 campaign, establishing himself as a key player.
That was despite the fact he missed the final 11 games of the season through injury.
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Saliba was pivotal en route to Arsenal’s highest points tally since 2004 (84), as Arteta’s side finished second behind league champions Manchester City.
It’s why fans are delighted to see the centre-back’s future secured.
In response to the news, one supporter said on Twitter: “Our biggest signing this summer.”
Another wrote, “Biggest signing Arsenal could have made this summer, without a doubt.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal look set to secure a club-record £105m deal for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice.
The signing of the 24-year-old Hammers skipper would eclipse the £72m Arsenal paid Lille for Nicolas Pepe in 2019.
Arteta’s side have already confirmed the signing of former Chelsea forward Kai Havertz in a £65m move, who became their first signing of the summer.
The Gunners are also set to seal the transfer of Ajax ace Jurrien Timber, while a move for Southampton star Romeo Lavia has also been mooted.
