Saliba joined Arsenal in 2019 from Saint-Etienne, and was immediately loaned back to the French club for the 2019-20 season. However, his loan spell was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and he joined Arsenal's training camp in July 2020.
Despite impressing in pre-season, Saliba was surprisingly left out of Arsenal's Premier League and Europa League squads for the first half of the season. The club cited a lack of match fitness and experience as the main reasons behind the decision, but it didn't sit well with Saliba, who was eager to prove his worth.
In January 2021, Saliba was loaned out to Nice in Ligue 1, where he played regularly and regained his confidence. However, he suffered a back injury towards the end of the season, which ruled him out for the remaining games.
In a recent interview with Arsenal's official website, Saliba spoke about the injury and how he's been working hard to recover from it. "It was a difficult time for me, but I've been working hard with the medical staff to get back to full fitness," he said. "I'm feeling much better now and I'm eager to get back on the pitch and help the team."
Saliba's new contract is a sign of Arsenal's faith in his potential, and the 20-year-old is determined to repay that faith by performing well on the pitch. "I'm very happy to sign a new contract with Arsenal," he said. "It's a big club with a rich history and I'm proud to be a part of it. I'm looking forward to the new season and I hope to contribute as much as I can."
Saliba's return to Arsenal after his loan spell in France will be eagerly anticipated by the fans, who are excited to see what the young defender can bring to the team. With Arsenal's defense in need of reinforcements, Saliba's performances in pre-season will be closely watched by Mikel Arteta, who will be hoping that the young Frenchman can establish himself as a regular starter.
In conclusion, William Saliba's new contract and his return to Arsenal after his loan spell in France is a positive sign for the club, as they look to rebuild and improve on their disappointing season. Saliba's talent and potential are undeniable, and if he can stay fit and perform well, he could become a key player for Arsenal in the years to come. The fans will be hoping that he can live up to his potential and help the team achieve success on the pitch.