Arsenal are facing a major hurdle in tying key defender William Saliba down to a long-term deal at the Emirates Stadium, if recent reports are to be believed. It comes as the Frenchman continues to impress since returning to the club from several loan moves as part of his development.
The 21-year-old has started every Premier League game so far this season and his maturity on and off the ball have been clear for all to see. It's led to comparisons between his impact and that of Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool, with both teams shooting to the top of the table with the defenders in the team.
In a Sky Sports interview, manager Mikel Arteta was complimentary of both Saliba and his centre-back partner Gabriel, saying: "I don't see the centre-back positions as individuals, I think that it is a partnership. For a partnership to succeed there has to be some sort of chemistry between the two [Saliba and Gabriel] and the qualities of those two have to be complimented.
READ MORE: Kylian Mbappe's 63-hour message to William Saliba hands Arsenal boost ahead of West Ham
"From day one those two clicked. Sometimes you cannot predict that when you are in the market or when you have a player back from a loan. We were lucky to be fair that they clicked."
However, Saliba's current contract runs until 2024 - football.london understands that Arsenal hold the option to extend it by a further year. With his increased influence and impressive performances, offering him a new deal could be a perfect reward as well as long-term planning for the club.
The Athletic reports that talks have been ongoing about an extension, but there are currently disagreements over the wages on offer. It means there are currently no breakthroughs in negotiations, which may be a concern given recent links with a move to PSG for the youngster.
Arsenal have themselves been linked with options at centre-back too, with reports stating that an agreement is close to sign Eintracht Frankfurt defender Evan Ndicka on a free transfer in the summer. It remains to be seen whether this is likely to impact how things move forward for the squad.
READ NEXT:
Kylian Mbappe's 63-hour message to William Saliba hands Arsenal boost ahead of West Ham
Gabriel Martinelli 'close' to signing new Arsenal contract triggers stunning Bukayo Saka theory
The three things that must happen when Arsenal face West Ham in Premier League return
Arsenal to avoid naming Mykhaylo Mudryk in Premier League squad if £40m transfer is completed
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: The latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
