Atlanta Braves legend John Smoltz could not possibly be more bullish on this year's squad.At 58-24 heading into their final series before the All-Star Game, the 2023 Atlanta Braves look be on the verge of something special.Although the five-time reigning NL East champions won the World ...

William Saliba has become the latest big-name Arsenal star to commit his future to the club after signing a new long-term contract. The France defender played a pivotal role as the Gunners ultimately came up short in their Premier League title tilt last season and has now agreed fresh terms at the Emirates Stadium. Saliba, 22, was an ever-present in the league until he suffered a back injury during the Europa League defeat to Sporting in mid-March – an issue that would ultimately rule him out for the remainder of the campaign. Without him, Mikel Arteta’s side saw their lead at the top of the table cut by Manchester City, who eventually powered past Arsenal to retain their title. Now, though, an agreement has finally been reached that ties Saliba to the club on a four-year deal, the PA new agency understands. “I was born in north Paris, but became a man in north London,” Saliba said in a video message for Arsenal fans on the club’s Twitter account. “I know it must have been strange for you. I show up, a kid you have never heard of and then keep going away to different clubs (on loan) before you get to see me play. “But I know now this was the best plan for me, and last summer when I came back to the club and became a pivotal part of the team words cannot describe how I feel here. how you (fans) make me feel. “Having the confidence of the boss and the staff, and then having your love and support made me feel 10 feet tall… so thank you Gooners, this if for you. We are together and let’s keep moving.” Saliba, who will move to the number two shirt next season, did not make his competitive Arsenal debut until the start of last season, despite joining from St Etienne in 2019 for a reported £27million. Instead, the centre-back was loaned back to his former club before also spending time at Nice and Marseille – being named Ligue 1 young player of the year after a fine 2021/22 season with the latter. Saliba’s performances for Arsenal attracted interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, with Arteta happy to see Saliba extend his stay in north London “To have William extend his contract with us was something we have wanted to do for a long time. William proved last season just how good and how important he is to our squad,” Arteta said on the club website. “The ability he has at his young age of just 22 is exciting, and there is of course so much more room for development with any player at this stage of their career. We’re looking forward to continuing to work with William in the years to come.” Arsenal sporting director Edu added: “William is part of our vision to keep our talented young players, who will hopefully be successful with us for many years to come, so that we can grow and progress together.” The defender becomes the latest of Arteta’s key men to sign a new contract with Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale having already done so earlier this year and Saliba’s centre-back partner Gabriel Magalhaes signing on last October. Reiss Nelson, too, agreed a fresh deal on Thursday as Arteta aims to maintain the nucleus of the squad that almost ended a 19-year wait for a Premier League title. One player who played a key role last season who will not be part of Arteta’s ranks moving forward is Granit Xhaka – the midfielder having joined Bayer Leverkusen for £21.4million on Thursday. However, Declan Rice is set to undergo a medical with the West Ham captain to become the most expensive British player in Premier League history when his £105million move across the capital goes through. Rice will join Kai Havertz in signing for Arsenal this summer while Ajax defender Jurrien Timber is also close to completing a switch to the Emirates. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Nat Sciver-Brunt expects Australia reaction as England bid to extend Ashes fight David Warner woe against Stuart Broad continues in second innings at Headingley Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe ‘feeling good’ after ankle injury scare

Time to gird your loins for the Immaculate Grid. Here are the top answers for the 95th version of the Immaculate Grid including the Yankees, Braves and more.For the 95th edition of the Immaculate Grid, we've been treated to a star-studded arrangement featuring legendary MLB franchises like ...

Mauricio Pochettino gives his thoughts on Mason Mount's move from Chelsea to Man Utd. The 24-year-old recently sealed a move to Old Trafford which could eventually be worth £60m to the Blues.

William Saliba signs a new four-year contract at Arsenal to commit his future to the club until 2027. The Frenchman played an instrumental part in helping the club challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title in 2022/23.

The NBA’s 2024 Las Vegas Summer League kicks off at 4:30 p.m. EST with the New Orleans Pelicans taking on the Minnesota Timberwolves.A few teams have already played games this summer, but both of these teams are making their Summer League debuts.New Orleans has some fun young talent on...

Arda Guler speaks for the first time as a Real Madrid player after €20m transfer from Fenerbahce.

Moises Caicedo has spoken out about Chelsea's transfer interest & Kendry Paez.

Five strikers Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag should be looking to sign in the 2023/24 summer transfer window.

Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe says she is “feeling good” and that “everything is looking really positive” after she sustained an ankle issue in Thursday’s World Cup warm-up match against France. The 3-0 loss for Vera Pauw’s side at Dublin’s Tallaght Stadium saw Arsenal’s McCabe come off due to the problem in the 29th minute. Speaking to Sky Sports News on Friday as she and her team-mates prepared to fly from Dublin Airport to the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, McCabe said: “I’m feeling good. “I basically was running through and I kind of rolled my ankle, but I’ve been for scans and stuff this morning and everything is looking really positive. “So I’m in a good a place and hopefully will be back on the pitch early next week.” Asked if she would have to miss a few days’ training, the versatile 27-year-old said: “Depends on how I go on the flight, hopefully it doesn’t blow up. I think maybe a day or two, but I am feeling good, which is nice.” The team, playing at a major tournament for the first time in their history, open their World Cup campaign by facing Australia in Sydney on July 20. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Across the NFL, there are a handful of special teams players who are slated to make a significant difference on the roster in 2023.Football is often expressed as a strict dichotomy, but it is not a perfect one. Usually, one team must lose for the other to win, but there's the occasional tie...

The Atlanta Braves' infield certainly made baseball very fun this week, while the Los Angeles Angels have lost their heads and have no place to hang their halos no more, bruh!Making sense of all the nonsense baseball gave us this week through pop culture references!It's hot as s**t...