Mikel Arteta has revealed William Saliba emphatically told him he wanted to stay at Arsenal, despite interest from Real Madrid.The Gunners defender has reportedly agreed a terms over a new five-year contract, which will see him remain at the Emirates until 2030. This will come as a relief to fans, with Saliba‘s existing deal due to expire in June 2027 and no shortage of admirers for the Frenchman.What has been said about Saliba’s new contract?Having established himself as one of Europe’s leading centre-backs at Arsenal, reports emerged earlier this year that the Frenchman was drawing interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid.But with a new contract putting to bed any speculation over his future, his manager Arteta has now opened up on how he addressed the rumours surrounding Saliba.Speaking in a press conference, the Spaniard said: “I was quite direct with him. “When you hear that noise, you can understand people’s expectations. “People have feelings, they have been educated in their families, maybe dreaming about something one day. That’s a really natural thing to have.“I sat down with William and asked him that question. He said: ‘No I want to stay here and play for you, I’m very happy as always’.”Despite being linked primarily with Madrid, Arteta refused to directly confirm whether his conversations with Saliba had revolved around the European giants. He said: “In general. I don’t want to be specific. But it was obvious with the amount of the noise around certain clubs.“We don’t have to name many teams, but there are not that many who can come and get Willy out from Arsenal and him being happy to discuss it. Sky SportsArteta smiled as he opened up on securing Saliba’s long-term future[/caption]The Frenchman is a key cog in Mikel Arteta’s title-challenging sideGetty“He was so transparent and honest.”While a new deal for Saliba is yet to be completed, he will join several Arsenal stars in committing his long-term future to the club.This includes centre-back partner Gabriel Magalhaes, as well as academy graduates Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly.When asked about an official announcement on Saliba’s contract, Arteta said: “Hopefully everyone in the world will be saying it soon, including Arsenal.“That’s what I’m hoping. Let’s leave the club to announce it when it’s all done.“He’s been instrumental with everything we’ve done in the last few years. It’s great to see a lot of players willing and driving to come to the club.”Since his debut in 2022, Arsenal boast a 67.3 per cent win percentage with Saliba in the sideGettyHow has Saliba fared at Arsenal?Saliba joined Arsenal from Ligue 1 side Saint-Etienne in July 2019, but was loaned back to the French club for the 2019-20 season before further loan spells at Nice and Marseille.Since making his Gunners debut in August 2022, the 24-year-old has become indispensable, playing 137 times for the club.Since his debut, no Premier League defender has won more balls in the middle third of the pitch or kept more clean sheets than Saliba, while he also ranks second for ball recoveries.Alongside Gabriel, the France international has also formed one half of one of the top-flight’s strongest centre-back pairings.Last season, the Gunners conceded the least goals (34) of any Premier League, with both players a mainstay in the side.Saliba and Gabriel were both named in last season’s PFA Premier League Team of the YearGettyAnd Arteta was quick to point out Saliba’s value to the team, adding: “It’s very impressive what he’s done at his age, because sometimes we tend to forget that. “His consistency, the way he’s progressed, the way he’s matured as well year after year. “He’s built a partnership with Gabi and the backline and the ‘keeper that have given the best defensive record in the last three years.”