William Saliba is proof Andrea Berta is doing for Arsenal what Liverpool can't
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(Credit: Imago)
Edward Bazeley
Thu 25 September 2025 15:30, UK
William Saliba’s decision to agree to a new deal at Arsenal has provided another strong endorsement of the vital work being done by sporting director Andrea Berta.
On Sunday, 21 September, Arsenal drew 1-1 with Manchester City, and consequently sit five points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.
However, the future is looking increasingly bright for the North Londoners, who have come close to top-flight glory in recent seasons.
Meanwhile, Arsenal successfully defeated Port Vale 2-0 in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, 24 September, to keep their hopes of winning silverware alive.
Credit: Imago
Mikel Arteta enjoyed a strong summer transfer window, as Arsenal bolstered their attack by signing Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, and Noni Madueke.
However, defending Premier League champions Liverpool appear increasingly likely to retain their title, largely thanks to the additions of Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak.
Unlike the Merseyside outfit, though, Arsenal have handed fresh contracts to stars like Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Leandro Trossard since Berta replaced Edu in March.
Like the circumstances that surrounded Alexander-Arnold’s departure, the France defender’s deal at Anfield expires at the end of the season.
Arteta recently scrapped Arsenal’s previous transfer ‘tier system’ to encourage competition within the Gunners’ squad.
William Saliba statsAll competitions 2025/26Appearances5Goals0Assists1Saliba is a key player for the Gunners
For instance, the signing of Riccardo Calafiori in 2024, coupled with the emergence of Lewis-Skelly, has given the North London outfit two reliable left-backs in both the Premier League and the Champions League.
Similarly, the summer addition of Cristhian Mosquera ensures that Arteta now has three centre-backs vying for two spots in the starting 11.
Saliba’s new deal safeguards Arsenal’s backline, while key attackers like Bukayo Saka are all contracted until at least 2027.
Meanwhile, alongside Martin Zubimendi and Madueke, Mosquera performed well when Arteta’s men defeated Nottingham Forest 3-0 in the Premier League, proving that the Gunners’ new signings have plenty of quality.
For now, the North Londoners face an uphill battle to beat Slot’s Liverpool to the Premier League title, but Berta’s long-term vision and planning is greater than that of the Anfield club.