Talks between Arsenal and William Saliba's representatives regarding a new contract are progressing positively, football.london understands.
In less than four weeks Saliba will be into the final 12 months of his current deal at the Emirates Stadium, but both the player and club are keen to extend his stay, with talks regarding a new deal advancing football.london understands. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has made it no secret of his admiration for the French international, who was a huge miss during the final stretch of the 2022/23 campaign when he was sidelined due to a lower back injury.
"We are trying," Arteta told football.london in a press conference last month when discussing a potential new contract for the 22-year-old. "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."
The north London outfit have recently tied down young wingers Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli to long-term deals and the club is also preparing for contract talks with captain Martin Odegaard, football.london understands. The club are keen to extend the Norwegian's deal which is currently due to expire in 2025, although there is an option to extend by a further 12 months.
Odegaard enjoyed a stellar 2022/23 campaign, netting 15 Premier League goals and providing a further seven assists as he established himself as one of Europe's most consistent midfielders. Although Arsenal do have plenty of time remaining on the 24-year-old's deal, they are keen to act quickly to offer him terms that are on keeping with his status in the club.
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Odegaard has previously spoken of his huge respect for Arteta, who he has admitted was instrumental in him signing initially on loan back in January 2021. "I spoke to Mikel Arteta on a Zoom call and he told me all about the project," the former Real Madrid playmaker told The Players’ Tribune when discussing his arrival at the Emirates Stadium earlier this year.
"At the time, Arsenal were not doing well. They were way down like 15th in the table, but that meeting... Honestly, I challenge anyone to come away from a meeting with Arteta and not believe everything he tells you.
"He is next level. It's hard to explain. He’s passionate, he’s intense and sometimes, yeah, he’s a bit crazy … but when he speaks, you understand that whatever he says will happen, will happen.
"He told me his plan, everything he was building towards. He knew exactly what needed to change at the club. He told me all about these amazing young players in the squad - Saka, Martinelli, [Emile] Smith Rowe, etc etc.
"He told me how he wanted me to fit in and how I was going to improve. I got this strong feeling that he was onto something really special."
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