Mikel Arteta has shed some light on William Saliba’s contract situation at Arsenal.
Saliba first signed for Arsenal in 2019, arriving from Saint-Etienne for an estimated £27 million. He spent the next three years out on loan in Ligue 1, returning to Les Verts while also having stints at Nice and Marseille.
The 22-year-old has come into the starting XI this season and he has shone. In 27 league appearances, he has scored twice and helped keep 12 clean sheets.
The Gunners will be hoping to tie the centre-back down to a long-term contract as his current deal approaches its end. He has one year remaining, with the option to extend until 2025.
When asked about Saliba’s contract situation, manager Mikel Arteta said (via football.london): “We are trying. We are having conversations and we are trying to maintain the talent we have at the club as I said before.
“But things take time. You have to agree it. There are different parties involved. I think everybody’s intention is the same and hopefully we’ll find the right solution.”
Saliba isn’t the only player that Arsenal are looking to keep beyond their current contract. Bukayo Saka’s deal ends in 2024, while Martin Odegaard has two years left. The fomer is believed to be close to agreeing a renewal.
“We want to keep our talent at the club and we want to build on that,” Arteta continued. “There are a few more who are very relevant for us to continue with that relationship. We’re working on that.”
Arsenal have managed to encourage three key players to extend their stays at the Emirates Stadium this season.
Gabriel Magalhaes signed in October, Gabriel Martinelli put pen to paper back in February and Aaron Ramsdale renewed earlier this week.
Arteta’s side travel to Nottingham Forest this weekend, before finishing the season with a home clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
They need to win both to keep their faint title hopes alive.
