Arsenal defender William Saliba has agreed to a long-term contract extension, reports RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins.
Manchester United and Bayern Munich were keen on the France international centre-back.
However, Saliba has committed his future to Arsenal and will sign a four-year deal, with an option of another 12 months.
❗️William Saliba et Arsenal ont trouvé un accord pour une prolongation de contrat 🇫🇷💫
🔹 Le Français va signer 4 ans + 1 année en option
🔹Plusieurs clubs dont Manchester United et le Bayern Munich étaient intéressés pic.twitter.com/d7sRAkfJYr
— Fabrice Hawkins (@FabriceHawkins) June 12, 2023
It comes as a huge boost for Arsenal as there were delays in getting the 22-year-old to agree to a new deal.
There were minor disagreements in his agent’s commission in the deal, leading to a stand-off.
However, both parties have now sorted things out, and an official announcement is expected soon.
Saliba’s original contract was due to expire in 2025, but he has now been rewarded with better terms.
He joined the north London club from Saint-Etienne in 2019, but was immediately loaned back to the Ligue 1 club.
Saliba spent the next two seasons on loan at OGC Nice and Marseille before returning to his parent club in 2022.
He played a huge role as Arsenal challenged for the Premier League title in his debut season with them.
Saliba featured in 27 league games before a back injury in March ruled him out of action for the rest of the season.
His unavailability affected their form as they lost three and drew three of their last 11 games, handing Manchester City the chance to pip them to the title.
Arsenal will look to challenge for the title again next season, and having Saliba for the whole campaign will come in handy.
Both Bayern and Man United have been impressed with his performances, but the Gunners have made a smart move by quickly handing him an extension.
