William Saliba's new Arsenal deal will not include a release clause, it has been claimed, with the Gunners finally ready to confirm an extension for the centre-back.
Saliba's existing deal at the Emirates Stadium was due to expire in 2024. His performances last season helped the London side challenge for the title, but nerves had started to jangle among some supporters amid interest from the continent.
Now, though, The Athletic reports that Saliba has extended his deal until 2027. As with new deals for the Frenchman's club colleagues, Arsenal aren't leaving themselves at risk of a rival being able to pay a release clause, though there is also no option to extend the contract for an extra year.
Signed in 2019 during Unai Emery's time as manager, Saliba spent several seasons out on loan before making his Arsenal debut. He started the first 27 games of the 2022-23 season, completing the full 90 in all but one, only to pick up a costly injury in his team's Europa League exit.
The injury kept him out of the run-in, with Arsenal ending up five points adrift of title-winners Manchester City. Arsenal recognise the 22-year-old's value to the club, though, and they will hope his new contract - worth a reported £10m per year - will boost their hopes of another title push.
It continues a busy summer for Arsenal, who have signed Kai Havertz and agreed contract extensions for the likes of Bukayo Saka and Reiss Nelson. They have also allowed long-serving midfielder Granit Xhaka to leave for Bayer Leverkusen, but the blow of that exit is expected to be softened by the arrival of Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber.
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Xhaka, who joined Arsenal back in 2016, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram after ending his seven-year spell with the club. "Gunners, it's been some journey - and all that's left is for me to say thank you," the Swiss international wrote.
"I've spent seven years at Arsenal. The club has become such an important part of my life - and it's not easy to leave. But now is the right time for a new adventure.
"There are so many people I need to thank - the managers I played for, all my team-mates and the staff behind the scenes. And I especially want to thank all of you.
"Everyone knows we've been through some tough times. But we came through them together - and I'll never ever forget the feeling I had each time we won the FA Cup or whenever I heard you singing my name. Pure goosebumps!
"I will always carry Arsenal in my heart. Once a Gunner, always a Gunner. Thank you."
