Arsenal are braced for another Premier League title challenge with Liverpool, and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher suggests an emerging leader in their squad could be crucial.
Arsenal agree William Saliba deal in huge boost for Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta was boosted by the official announcement of a new deal for star defender William Saliba earlier this week.
The Frenchman, who’s been a vital component of Arsenal’s title-chasing side since the beginning of 2022/2023, was attracting serious interest from Real Madrid. Los Blancos even approached him in the summer window, but Saliba was clear that he wanted to remain at the Emirates Stadium (HandOfArsenal).
Appearances
5
Minutes played
319
Clean sheets
2
Tackles made
8
Interceptions
3
Ground duels won
24/34
Aerial duels won
12
Clearances
20
via Footy Stats
Saliba’s contract was due to expire in 2027, and sporting director Andrea Berta took a hands-on role in new contract negotiations as he eventually convinced the 24-year-old to agree fresh terms (Charles Watts).
Saliba’s new deal expires in 2030, committing him to Arsenal for another five years, with Berta praising the “incredible” defender after the Gunners confirmed his extension.
“We’re so happy that William has committed his future to us to be part of what we’re building here,” Berta said about Saliba.
“In the last three seasons, William has become an incredible defender whose composure, intelligence and physical presence make him one of the best in the world. He will continue his development with Arsenal to reach new heights.
“His consistency, maturity, and ability to influence matches will continue to be a big asset for us and we’re looking forward to many more great performances from him at the heart of our defence.”
Arteta’s side take on Olympiacos in the Champions League tonight, with the Greek Super League champions travelling to North London and could face off against Arsenal’s newly-committed star in Saliba.
The France international is slowly being reintegrated into the starting eleven after recovering from an ankle injury, having started their 1-1 draw with Man City and Carabao Cup win over Port Vale, but was dropped to the bench for Arsenal’s dramatic victory at Newcastle.
Summer signing Cristhian Mosquera has seriously impressed whenever he’s asked to fill in for Saliba, and that is an avenue Arteta may well go down again in Europe tonight as he looks to avoid any more fitness issues with his star man.
Alongside Saliba, another defender has been vital to Arsenal’s success in recent years.
That man is, of course, Gabriel.
According to some reports, Saliba and Gabriel made a pact to remain at Arsenal and challenge for major silverware, with the Brazilian also signing a contract extension earlier this year.
Jamie Carragher admits he was wrong about Arsenal star Gabriel
He’s been just as crucial to Arsenal’s defensive prowess as Saliba, and their partnership is widely viewed as one of Europe’s best.
Largely thanks to the duo, Arteta’s men have conceded the fewest goals of any Premier League side in each of the last two seasons.
Gabriel’s threat from set pieces has also got Arsenal out of jail on numerous occasions, with the 27-year-old — after his winner against Newcastle — bagging more goals than any other defender in the Premier League since he made his debut in 2020 (18).
Speaking to Sky Sports (via The Metro), Carragher has made an admission about Gabriel in praise of the ex-Lille star — claiming he was wrong about Saliba being on another level to his centre-back partner.
The ex-Liverpool defender also praised Gabriel as an emerging leader in Arsenal’s side.
“What I would say about Gabriel now, after watching him for the last two years, he’s becoming a real leader for that club,” Carragher told Sky.
“I always thought Saliba was a different level to Gabriel. I think they’re on the same level. I think he’s fantastic at what he does at both ends of the pitch.”
While Carragher has taken more time to hand Gabriel his well-deserved praise, the South American’s quality has never been lost on Arteta, who called the defender’s performances “undeniable” as far back as September last year.
“The way he was perceived when he arrived, obviously the language was a barrier…he didn’t have the environment, he didn’t have the family that he’s got today. He’s made a lot of right decisions,” Arteta said in a press conference before their 2-0 win over PSG in the Champions League.
“He’s proved to everybody how committed he is to the team and to the club. Then obviously his performances are undeniable, that have taken him to a different level, in terms of the standards we set in the team, especially in the way that we have to defend.”