Arsenal defender William Saliba signed a new contract for the Gunners this week, keeping him at the Emirates for an extra five years. 

It has been a fantastic week for Arsenal, as they managed to beat Newcastle in the Premier League, and saw rivals Liverpool lose to Crystal Palace, cutting the gap at the top of the league to just two points. They have a Champions League clash against Olympiacos on Wednesday night, looking to make it two wins from two in the competition too.

Furthermore, Saliba signed a new five-year contract at the club, despite the fact that there has been reported interest in the French defender from Real Madrid. Saliba decided to stay at Arsenal instead, and he has vowed to win big trophies at the Emirates.

Pundit Ally McCoist has claimed that he thinks Saliba picked Arsenal over Madrid, simply because the Gunners are better. He said on talkSPORT: “Right now as a team, Arsenal. I think Arsenal are a better team [than Real Madrid].

“We can argue about the size of the club, I know Real Madrid have got if not the biggest pull in world football, but, we watched Arsenal beat them home and away last year. Who’s got a better chance of winning the Champions League this year, I would suggest Arsenal.”

Arsenal now looking to extend Saka’s contract

Amid Saliba staying at the Emirates, the Gunners are looking to extend their star attacker Bukayo Saka’s contract too, with the English international’s deal due to expire in June 2027, meaning at the end of the season, he will have just one year left on his contract.

Recent reports have said that Arsenal are in positive talks with Saka over a new deal, and that both the club and the player are confident that they can achieve a new contract.

It is understood that the Gunners are willing to offer Saka more than the £250,000 per week that Saliba is on, which will likely make him the highest-paid player in the club, to ensure that the England international commits his future to Arsenal.

Click here to see Arsenal’s full first team squad, with individual profiles for every player.