Why William Saliba turned down Europe’s giants for Arsenal

Arsenal‘s young talent, William Saliba, has firmly anchored himself in the Gunners’ defensive line, securing not only a regular starting spot but also a new contract, rebuffing interests from European powerhouses Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.

Joining Arsenal in 2019 with a hefty £27 million price tag from Saint-Etienne, the 22-year-old defender’s growth has been evident, culminating in a promising 33 appearances last season, prompting the club to extend his stay.

This season, William Saliba has been a stalwart figure at the back, featuring in every Premier League game and contributing significantly across 25 appearances in various competitions, including a notable goal.

Manager Mikel Arteta expressed his delight at Saliba’s commitment, emphasizing the player’s pivotal role and untapped potential within the squad.

Arteta stated,

“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.”

Saliba’s contract extension, spanning until 2027, fortifies Arsenal’s position, warding off potential suitors unless they’re willing to negotiate a significant transfer fee or await the contract’s natural conclusion.

Despite reported interest from PSG and Bayern Munich, Saliba expressed his desire to remain at Arsenal, a decision that aligns with the club’s ambitions, seeking their first top-flight title in two decades.

Renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano highlighted the considerable interest in William Saliba before his contract renewal, affirming the absence of a release clause in the new agreement.