Arsenal are set to accelerate discussions with the entourage of William Saliba to find an agreement over a new long-term deal.
According to ESPN, Arsenal are set to intensify their efforts to hand William Saliba a bumper new contract at the Emirates. The two parties have remained locked in discussions for a few months now, with the player rejecting a recent offer from the Gunners. However, despite the minor setback, both sides are willing to extend the deal.
William Saliba joined Arsenal in a big deal back in 2019. The Gunners paid £27 million for the young defender but allowed him to remain with Saint-Etienne on loan for a season. Despite his mature performances, Mikel Arteta decided to send him on further loan spells, this time to OGC Nice and Marseille.
At Marseille, he truly caught the eye after helping them finish runners-up in Ligue 1 and was also named the best young player in France. There were cautious reports in the media regarding Saliba’s long-term future at Arsenal upon his return for pre-season.
But the 21-year-old defender quashed doubts on whether he fits Arteta’s system by putting in accomplished performances this season. He has started all of their 18 games and has the second-most minutes among all players in the Premier League.
William Saliba: “I am so happy here at Arsenal. The club is speaking with my agent and me on new contract”, tells @standardsport. 🚨⚪️🔴 #AFC
“The only thing I can do is focus on my football, but I am really so happy here”. pic.twitter.com/OdheRWJboW
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 16, 2023
His partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes has resulted in Arsenal becoming the second-best defensive side in the division behind Newcastle United. The 21-year-old defender’s contract originally ended in the summer of 2023. Arsenal have since triggered the option to extend it by another season.
Arsenal and Saliba’s agent have been discussing a new deal for a few months. Many sections remain concerned about a lack of progress in extending his deal. The 21-year-old defender is reportedly open to signing a new contract and committing for the long-term.
Saliba has reportedly rejected Arsenal’s recent proposal. Significant differences exist between the player’s demands and the proposal on the table. Other clubs are keen on signing the defender, but the Gunners are confident about his future.
The Gunners are now set to intensify their efforts to extend his deal, and talks between the two parties could continue in the coming weeks. Saliba, after Arsenal’s recent win over Tottenham, reiterated his happiness at playing for this team and hinted at a possible new deal.
Saliba said, “I am so happy here. “The club is speaking with my agent and me. The only thing I can do is [focus on my football]. I am so happy here.”
Arsenal fans are eager to see the 21-year-old continue representing their team and become an important player in the future. Likewise, Arteta is hopeful of continuation as he considers Saliba an important part of his team and system.
