William Saliba proven right over Arsenal decision as PSG empire begins to crumble

William Saliba's decision to extend his Arsenal contract amid PSG interest appears to have been the correct one, with the French club looking set to lose star players this summer.

Lionel Messi has already confirmed he will be leaving Parc des Princes at the end of his contract this month to join MLS franchise Inter Miami.

And according to French outlet Le10Sport, PSG tried an audacious but unsuccessful attempt to swap first team stars Marco Verratti and Gianluigi Donnarumma with Manchester City's Bernardo Silva.

There has also been speculation over the future of Neymar, with Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal having flown to Paris to gauge the Brazilian's interest in a move, as per CBS Sports.

And then there is Kylian Mbappe. While the Frenchman has publicly stated his desire to stay at the club for another season, he sent a formal letter to the club's hierarchy confirming he would not activate an optional year's extension in his contract, which expires next summer.

PSG face the very real prospect of losing him on a free transfer, therefore, if they do not sell or convince Mbappe to sign a new deal.

All the transfer speculation surrounding the French club appears to have only vindicated Saliba's recent decision.

Saliba Arsenal decision proven correct

On Saturday, The Athletic's David Ornstein reported that the France international defender had agreed a new contract with Arsenal until the summer of 2027.

The deal has not officially been signed yet, but both parties are said to now be in the paperwork stage of negotiations.

An agreement, at one stage, looked far from certain. The Daily Mirror reported last month that Arsenal were left 'shocked' by Saliba's wage demands, with the Frenchman having 12 months remaining on his deal.

All the while, PSG have been interested in bringing the 22-year-old back to France after a hugely successful first campaign as part of the Gunners' first team.

The Sun claimed that Les Parisiens were monitoring the centre-back, and that Arsenal were concerned over the potential salary that PSG could offer Saliba in comparison to their proposals.

But the Frenchman eventually reached an agreement to stay in north London - and the departure of Messi, as well as the possible exits of other key players, means that the defender's commitment to Arsenal looks to be wise.

Topics: William Saliba, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, Premier League, Transfers

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.