William Saliba is reportedly ready to commit his long-term future to Arsenal, as the club remains confident about retaining the 21-year-old.
According to Give Me Sport via Paul Brown, William Saliba is ready to sign a new contract at Arsenal amid fears the club might lose him. The in-form defender is heading to Qatar and will formalise a deal once he returns to north London.
William Saliba has transformed this Arsenal side as Mikel Arteta’s men remain top of the Premier League heading into the World Cup break. The In-form defender has become a formidable force at the back as his partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes reaped the rewards.
The Gunners are the division’s joint-best defensive unit alongside Newcastle, conceding only 11 goals in 14 games. Saliba has played a major role in the transformation upon his return from a successful loan spell with Marseille.
His presence allowed Arteta to shift Ben White to an unorthodox right-back role, while Saliba has provided security from a central defensive position. He has posted brilliant stats at the back and even notched two goals this season against Bournemouth and Brentford.
Arsenal delayed Saliba’s debut for three years, sending him out on multiple loan moves. However, Arteta planned to take time to integrate the defender, and now the manager completely trusts his abilities. However, there is the impending decision on his contract, with the centre-back reportedly ready to commit to his future at the club.
Saliba’s £40,000-per-week contract reportedly ends in the summer, with Arsenal holding an option for a further year. The Gunners will hope they need not trigger the clause as a new deal beckons for the in-form defender.
The Frenchman will be offered a pay rise which suits his stature in the team. The in-form Arsenal defender will likely triple his salary if he signs.
Journalist Paul Brown suggests Saliba is ready to sign the new deal amid reports his performances in Qatar could attract fresh interest from top clubs.
Brown said, “Everything suggests that he is willing to sign a new contract at Arsenal, and that will get done.
“There might be a few other clubs sniffing around him if France does well, and he’s at the heart of that at the World Cup.
“But, at the moment, Arsenal don’t seem particularly worried about losing him anytime soon.”
Additionally, Arsenal are not in a state of panic despite the limited time left in Saliba’s contract. The Gunners do not fear the worst and remain confident about Saliba’s long-term future at the Emirates.
