Arsenal keen to renew William Saliba contract

William Saliba has made a name for himself at the Emirates Stadium and Arsenal are ready to reward him with a new contract.

According to Fabrizio Romano, talks between the runaway Premier League leaders and the 21-year-old’s representatives are underway.

Following an impressive season-long loan at Olympique Marseille in 2021/22, Saliba returned to north London in the summer to try his luck under Mikel Arteta.

Despite his eye-catching exploits in Ligue 1, not even the most optimistic Arsenal fan expected the defender to gain such a prominent role this season.

However, Saliba has defied expectations, nailing down a starting berth alongside Gabriel Magalhaes at the heart of Arsenal’s backline in what could be a long-awaited triumphant Premier League campaign.

The duo have forged a formidable partnership, becoming the third-best defensive unit in Europe’s most demanding league.

For years, Arsenal’s rearguard had been one of the most heavily criticised parts of the squad, but Saliba and Gabriel have repaired its image this season despite occasional blunders.

Saliba’s rock-solid showings have not gone unnoticed by the Emirates powerbrokers, who are now eager to extend his current deal, which expires in 2024.

There’s an understanding that the player is equally enthusiastic about committing his future to Arsenal, even though the details of his new contract have yet to come to light.

Saliba should line up alongside Gabriel when the Premier League pacesetters welcome relegation-threatened Everton for a revenge-laden return fixture on Tuesday night.