William Saliba finally allowed his dream Arsenal shirt after Premier League rules blocked him – The Mirror

William Saliba has a new Arsenal contract and a new Gunners shirt number too.

The French centre-back has put an end to speculation about his future by signing a new long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium following what was a breakthrough season in 2022/23.

The 22-year-old France international has been an Arsenal player for four years, but following loan spells at former club Saint-Etienne and fellow Ligue 1 sides Nice and Marseille, he returned to star in Arsenal’s title fight last season.

Saliba made 33 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions last season, scoring three goals. Indeed, it was his absence through injury that many believe ultimately cost Mikel Arteta’s side in their title challenge.

He will return for 2023/24 with a new look, having moved from the number 12 shirt to the number 2 following the signing of his new contract.

Saliba wore the number 2 during his spell at Marseille, while he also wears the number for France.

Known as his favorite jersey number, he also previously posted photos of personalized Nike sneakers with ‘WS2’ printed on them on his Instagram.

He asked for the number 2 shirt last season following the departure of Hector Bellerin at the end of the summer transfer window, but given that he had already played in the Premier League in his number 12 shirt, he was not allowed to make a change.

On signing the deal, Sports Director Edu van Gunners said: “We are so pleased to have signed a new deal with William Saliba.

“William is part of our vision to retain our talented young players, who will hopefully continue to be successful with us for many years to come, so that we can grow and progress together. I know the supporters will be as happy as we are to see to see.” William will stay with us in the future.”

Boss Mikel Arteta added: “Having William extend his contract with us was something we’ve wanted to do for a long time. William proved last season how good and how important he is to our side.

“The ability he has at the tender age of just 22 is exciting, and there is obviously so much more room for development with any player at this stage of their career. We look forward to continuing to work with William in the years to come.” come.”

The new deal is the second signed by an Arsenal player this week, with winger Reiss Nelson also committing his future to the club until 2027 after his previous deal expired.

Arsenal are also closing in on moves for Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber, with the pair undergoing medicals ahead of the move to the Emirates, where they will join fellow newcomer Kai Havertz, who has taken over his favored number 29 following his move from Chelsea this year. summer.

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