Saliba: It's the best place to be; I will give everything to our fans

After opting to extend his stay at Arsenal, William Saliba has set himself a target of “giving even more” to the club and the supporters heis so fond of.

The French defender has put pen to paper on a new deal to continue his association with the club he supported as a boy, and first arrived at as a player back in 2019. Since then, he has developed into one of the best defenders in world football, and the news that he will be spending his prime years in north London will be music to all Gooners’ ears.

And now he has committed his future in north London - a place that headmits feels like home - William wants to make them even happier by helping Arsenal to take the final step of his journey and lift major trophiesagain

Describing his emotions after signing his fresh contract, he said: “Ifeel proud of myself because I first signed in 2019, and now in 2025, I'm still here to extend my contract. I'm so happy.

“I feel at home. We have a good team, we have a good squad, we have good staff. The coach is perfect for me, so it's the best place to be.

“I enjoy every day when I have the chance to wear this shirt. I try to give everything, and now I’ll give even more to this club and to the fans.”

Upon his arrival from Saint-Etienne six years ago, William was forcedto be patient and was loaned out three times to Ligue 1 clubs to learn his trade. He once said that his dream was to play just once for Arsenal, but after finally breaking through in the summer of 2022, he isnow approaching 150 appearances, and with the ink drying on his new contract, many more to come.

He still can’t quite believe what he’s achieved since his debut at Crystal Palace just over three years ago, but he is always striving for more and feels that under Mikel Arteta’s watchful eye, he can become as good as anyone in his position.

“When you sign, you dream of playing many games, but it comes so quickly,” he added. “Before I signed, I didn't realise that I would playa lot of games like this so it's good and I want to play more.

“When I signed, I went back to Saint-Etienne, and I came back and became a starter so a lot of things have happened, but I'm so proud of my journey. I never gave up, even in the tough moments.

“Of course, I wanted to play straight away, but I didn't expect that it would be as good as it was. I played well, we almost won the league in the first season, and we almost won the league the season after as well. I'm happy now, but not 100% happy because we have to do more. We have to win titles, because it's what we want, what the club wants.

“The boss is one of the best coaches in the world. He has helped me alot, him and his staff, so I'm so happy to have them as a coach. I'm 24now, and I think I haven’t reached my peak. I have a lot of things to improve, a lot of things to give to this team, and I know that the coachand the staff will help me to become the best, or one of the best, defenders in the world and win trophies.”

William admits that another major factor in his decision to stay at Emirates Stadium was to repay the love he has received from the supporters.

He revealed that it began even before he kicked a ball for the Gunners, but only intensified after he belted one into the back of the Bournemouth net on just his third appearance and was soon serenaded by his famous chant, which has followed him ever since.

“I’ve enjoyed it since the first time I heard it,” he smiled. “I feel proud whenever I hear these songs, so thanks to the fans.

“I have a special connection with them, because even when I was on loan, when I was not playing here, they would send me messages to say: ‘one day, you will play for this club, you don't have to give up.’ I will never forget this.

“Thank you for everything, thank you for the support. We know what they are waiting for, and we'll give our best, even more than the previous season, to give them what they want.”