Arsenal have been handed a potential blow in their attempts to keep William Saliba as reports claim that Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain are circling a deal should he fail to sign a new contract at the club. The Frenchman made his return to the Emirates Stadium in the summer, having developed on loan since joining in 2019.
His breakout campaign came last year, helping guide Olympique Marseille to Champions League football while winning himself the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year award. While there were doubts over his immediate future, Mikel Arteta put those to rest by starting him consistently since his return.
"What he is doing at 21 years old is rare," the Arsenal boss said on the youngster's start to the season. "He remains really humble. He wants to learn, he wants to train every day and he is really demanding of himself and he is giving a lot to the team."
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There will be some concern over his long-term future though, with Saliba's current deal running until 2024 - though football.london understands that the club hold an option of an extra year on his contract. A number of sides are said to be monitoring his situation in case there is the possibility of a move.
One of those is PSG, with CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs claiming they have made contact over a switch. He told the Football Terrace's Youtube channel: "Saliba is the most complicated of the three [along with Saka and Martinelli's contracts] really. Arsenal sources fully expect all three to be done.
"With Saliba, it’s a little bit different. Compared to Martinelli and Saka, he’s only been back at the club a few months. He’s still coming to terms with a lot of voices in his ear. It’s not just Marseille, it’s PSG saying: 'if you’re that uncertain or unsure about Arsenal, we can potentially bring you in'.
"PSG are definitely still looking for defenders. I see no reason he would want to leave but the only caveat there is he did love living in France. If PSG did come in, it might give him a decision to make. It is still highly likely Saliba signs. Arsenal have confidence but there is a lot more concrete interest around Saliba."
It remains to be seen whether the Frenchman's mind could change over such talk, however the Gunners will be hoping they can keep hold of him for the long-term.
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