William Saliba Settles Arsenal Future as Real Madrid Circle—'Decision Made'

William Saliba has reportedly dashed Real Madrid's dreams of a major signing by committing to a fresh five-year deal with Arsenal.

Madrid are pursuing a new central defender and have long admired Saliba—certain reports have suggested Los Blancos view him as 'the Jude Bellingham' of defensive players—and the Frenchman's current contract situation had given hope for a potential move to the Santiago Bernabéu.

With just 18 months remaining on his current deal, Saliba had positioned himself favorably regarding his future plans. Now, The Athletic reports that he has committed his future to Arsenal through agreeing to new terms.

A fresh five-year deal extending until 2030 is anticipated to be finalized within days, crushing Madrid's aspirations for a bargain transfer.

Despite considerable speculation surrounding his future, Saliba's circumstances have seldom worried those within Arsenal. Extension discussions initially commenced in May and, come July, Saliba expressed his desire to sign.

Saliba to Follow in Footsteps of Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly, Nwaneri

The procedure is now nearly finalized and manager Mikel Arteta will be thrilled to have locked down the future of one of his squad's most crucial players.

Saliba experienced a challenging beginning at Arsenal under Arteta. He was excluded from the Gunners' Premier League roster for the 2020–21 campaign and subsequently spent 18 months on loan in France, where he thoroughly validated Arsenal's choice to invest £27 million ($36.4 million) for his services in 2019.

He has since accumulated 139 appearances for Arsenal, with only five players logging more minutes under Arteta thus far.

Saliba is poised to become the fourth major contract extension at Arsenal this year. Defensive partner Gabriel Magalhães signed a four-year agreement in June, shortly before Myles Lewis-Skelly pledged the next five years of his career to Arsenal. Ethan Nwaneri penned his new contract in August.