William Saliba 'agrees new Arsenal contract'

The defender joined Arsenal for a fee of around £27m from Saint-Etienne in 2019, and he immediately returned to the French club on a season-long loan deal.

Saliba also spent time on loan with Nice and Marseille, before he made his long-awaited Arsenal debut in August 2022.

The Frenchman formed a formidable central defensive partnership with Gabriel Maghaeles, helping Arsenal mount a title push.

Saliba missed the final 11 Premier League games of the 2022-23 season through injury, and his absence coincided with a dip in form for the Gunners, who fell short of title rivals Manchester City.

With the 22-year-old now regarded as a key member of Mikel Arteta's side, Arsenal are keen to secure his long-term future.

According to The Athletic, the Gunners have reached an agreement with the centre-back over a new four-year contract.

Saliba's existing deal was due to expire in 12 months, raising the possibility that he could depart on a free transfer next year.

Following a number of impressive performances, there was said to be strong interest in Saliba from fellow Premier League clubs and sides from abroad.

However, he is now set to put pen to paper on a new deal which will keep him at the Emirates Stadium until at least 2024.

The North London club are understood to be formalising the necessary paperwork before an official announcement can be made.

The France international is set to follow the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel, Aaron Ramsdale and Gabriel Martinelli, who have all agreed new contracts with the Gunners.

Saliba made 33 appearances across all competitions in the 2022-23 campaign, chipping in with three goals and two assists.