Overview

• The 24-year-old is understood to be close to signing a new five-year contract through 2030, with his existing deal running to 2027.
• Mikel Arteta called Saliba instrumental and praised his consistency, maturity and expanding role at the heart of Arsenal’s defence.
• Arteta described early disagreements over Saliba’s development and said loans to Nice and Marseille ensured vital game time before his integration.
• Spanish reports indicate Saliba’s camp notified Real Madrid that an extension had been agreed, surprising a club long interested in the defender.
• Arteta said Saliba was omitted against Newcastle as a precaution during his return from an ankle issue, noting improved depth enables smarter rotation.