William Saliba played a key role in Arsenal’s decision to offer David Luiz a new contract.
Many expected the Brazilian international to leave when his current deal has come to an end and will end this summer.
But now he will play for another season after his terms have been extended for a year.
It comes after Mikel Arteta and club head Edu made her signature a priority.
The Gunners are likely to cut costs this summer amid the coronavirus crisis.
Their transfer budget was a success, but keeping Luiz was high on Arteta’s list – despite some shoddy performances from recent times, including a horrorshow against Manchester City.
(Image: GETTY)
However, Arteta believes that his experience of playing in title-winning teams is essential.
Furthermore, according to the Telegraph, the Spaniard is creating a team of young people, but he wants someone with experience winning the trophies to help them do it.
The former City manager also plans to pair Luiz with Saliba – who will join Arsenal at the end of the season.
The Frenchman had a good season with Saint-Etienne after getting permission to continue his development in Ligue 1.
Saliba signed an agreement with Arsenal last summer and great things are expected from the nineteen year old.
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The young man was hailed as France’s greatest defense hope going into the near future.
And hopefully his arrival has solved a problem area for Arsenal over the years.
But Arteta wants to associate him with the more experienced Luiz, to help him deal with the Premier League, according to the Telegraph.
Luiz also reportedly cut wages for his £ 120,000 a week to help offset finances.
With the money recovered, Arsenal was able to offer agreements to Cedric Soares and Pablo Mari, who had both been on loan.
The future of the remaining central defenders Shkodran Mustafi, Sokratis and Rob Holding remains in the balance.
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