Overview

• Multiple outlets including The Athletic, Sky Sports and the BBC report Saliba has agreed a five-year extension, with formal signing expected in the coming days.
• The new deal is set to run until 2030, removing near-term uncertainty created by his previous 2027 expiry.
• Real Madrid’s interest is expected to cool as Saliba commits to Arsenal’s project under Mikel Arteta.
• Talks were led by sporting director Andrea Berta over recent months, with an improved proposal in August paving the way for a breakthrough.
• Saliba, 24, is central to the league’s top-performing back line, making 51 appearances last season alongside Gabriel, whose own extension was completed earlier this year.