William Saliba's transfer value soars as Real Madrid get Arsenal update after 'perfect' deal

William Saliba has become the most valuable player at Arsenal since putting pen to paper on a new contract. The 24-year-old defender recently signed a five-year deal at the Emirates Stadium, fending off interest from potential suitors.

Before committing his future to the Gunners, Saliba was fast-approaching the final 18 months of his stay. The France international was being heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid, but Arsenal managed to intercept advances from the Santiago Bernabeu.

football.london understands that Saliba believes the north London outfit is the best club for him to achieve his goals. Andrea Berta led talks with the Frenchman, just as he did during negotiations with Gabriel Maghaeles, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly.

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From a business perspective, the Saliba deal has already proven to be the sporting director's biggest coup yet. According to the CIES Football Observatory, the centre-back's price tag went through the roof after he signed the extension.

The report claims Saliba is the most valuable player at the Emirates Stadium, with a market value ranging from €89m to €103m (£77m to £89m). It's said that Lamine Yamal is worth more than any other player on the planet, boasting a market value which ranges from €329m to €383m (£286m to £332m).

The CIES Football Observatory reckons Erling Haaland has the greatest market value in the Premier League (€228m to €265m/£198m to £230m). Meanwhile, Cole Palmer is said to be the most esteemed Englishman (€139m to €161m/£121m to £140m).

Arsenal could make an eye-watering profit on the £27m that they paid Saint-Etienne for Saliba in July 2019. However, the defender has declared that he's ready to give 'even more' for Mikel Arteta's side.

"I feel proud of myself because I first signed in 2019, and now in 2025, I'm still here to extend my contract," said Saliba after signing his new contract. I'm so happy. I feel at home. We have a good team, we have a good squad, we have good staff.

"The coach is perfect for me, so it's the best place to be. I enjoy every day when I have the chance to wear this shirt. I try to give everything, and now I’ll give even more to this club and to the fans."

On the progress he's made since making his debut for Arsenal against Crystal Palace three years ago, Saliba said: "When you sign, you dream of playing many games, but it comes so quickly. Before I signed, I didn't realise that I would play a lot of games like this so it's good and I want to play more.

"When I signed, I went back to Saint-Etienne, and I came back and became a starter so a lot of things have happened, but I'm so proud of my journey. I never gave up, even in the tough moments.

"Of course, I wanted to play straight away, but I didn't expect that it would be as good as it was. I played well, we almost won the league in the first season, and we almost won the league the season after as well.

"I'm happy now, but not 100% happy because we have to do more. We have to win titles, because it's what we want, what the club wants."

Saliba added: "The boss is one of the best coaches in the world. He has helped me a lot, him and his staff, so I'm so happy to have them as a coach. I'm 24 now, and I think I haven’t reached my peak.

"I have a lot of things to improve, a lot of things to give to this team, and I know that the coach and the staff will help me to become the best, or one of the best, defenders in the world and win trophies."