Arsenal have secured Gabriel Magalhães on a new long-term contract, and William Saliba is next in line.
The Brazilian centre-back signed a four-year extension on Friday, easing fears as his previous deal entered its final two years. His commitment comes as a major boost for the Gunners, who are now turning their attention to renewing other key players.
Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Saliba are all entering the final stages of their contracts. Arsenal know they must act fast to protect their core.
Real Madrid lurking for Saliba
According to The Mirror, Arsenal will now prioritise tying down William Saliba, and they’re confident of getting it done. But time is of the essence.
Real Madrid are said to be monitoring the situation closely, with the Frenchman reportedly high on their list of long-term targets. The Spanish giants have adopted a strategy of securing elite players on free transfers, having already snapped up Kylian Mbappé, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Antonio Rüdiger without paying a fee.
Although Arsenal remain calm, they are well aware of the need to secure Saliba’s future before Madrid start making serious moves.
The good news? Saliba is happy in London and, according to the same report, is open to committing his long-term future to the club.
Saliba is already world-class—and still not at his peak
Saliba joined Arsenal in 2019 but had to wait three years before making his first-team debut, with loan spells in France aiding his development. At the time, the decision drew criticism, but in hindsight, it was a masterstroke.
Since breaking into the starting XI, Saliba has emerged as one of the best defenders in Europe. Blending pace, power, and composure, he makes elite-level defending look effortless. Still only 24, he has yet to hit his prime.
In today’s market, replacing a player of Saliba’s quality would be near impossible. Arsenal must do everything they can to ensure he stays in red and white for years to come.
Benjamin Kenneth
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Gabriel, Partey, Saliba then Saka all to new deals…
Kepa (£5m) looks like the 1st signing followed by Zubimendi (£51m) & Sesko (£70m).
A large chunk of the money available spent but with a few outgoings between now & Jan that will bring in some cash, however small;
– Jesus
– Zinchenko
– Nelson
– Taveres (Sold)
– Tomiasyu?
– Trossard?
Teirney, Jorginho, Sterling & Neto all off the wage bill also.
Still need that winger also that will not be cheap
Awesome news, Arsenal may have miss out on lifting the Champions league big jug, due to the absence of one player, the Big Brazilian.
There no doubt now of Gabriel Magahlase importance to the north London outfit.
Benjamin Kenneth – Thanks for the content.
Every fan is please when Saliba commits pen to paper, for sure.
It really shouldn’t matter who we play against having *Saliba, Gabriel (and hopefully Kiwior) as rotating center backs in 2025/26. This reassures us that goals against us will be difficult for rivals. provided any 2 of this trio are fit. And Rt-backs Benny Blanco or Justin Timber offer us a similar reassurance. Not quite sure who will distinguish themselves (long term) at left-back yet.
So who will raise his game to the HIGH levels of Cliche and the standard bearers at left-back incl winterburn, van bronkhorst and Cole? Reading MLS prefers midfield and that Califiori dream is to try out midfield which suggests the position holder elect at L/B isn’t quite settled.
Tomiyasu started in left–back position against L’pool and he helped Arsenal win 3–2 so there’s every reason the position eventually ends up as his.
Don’t see any injured players leaving (Jesus or tomiyasu) in any case very few clubs can afford Jesus’s wages.
Even Zinchenko might need to take a pay cut to leave and that is unlikely.