Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has conceded he did harbour some fears over the state of his relationship with William Saliba ahead of the Frenchman's first proper season at the club.
The Gunners actually signed Saliba in the summer of 2019, while they were still under the guidance of Arteta's predecessor Unai Emery. While the young defender was never expected to slot straight into the first team, few could have guessed he'd have been the subject of three separate loan spells back to different French clubs either.
But that's exactly what happened, which inevitably inspired some to speculate that there may be a rift between Saliba and Arteta due to the former feeling let down by the fact he wasn't handed an opportunity to play first-team football at the Emirates for three years after he'd joined.
The Gunners boss has since admitted he also feared for the state of his relationship with Saliba, but has thankfully been proven wrong and in turn pleased with how committed to the cause the defender is after a sensational start to this season.
"I was really impressed and surprised when I spoke to him," Arteta explained. "The way the relationship started, [I wondered] if there was damage there because he had certain expectations. But he was so committed just to play for Arsenal.
"If I look at how he talks about the club and how much he wants to be here, I have no doubts that he wants to continue to be here."
Arteta's comments come at a time when the rumour mill is starting to turn with suggestions Saliba's future could be elsewhere, given the fact he has taken no time at all to adjust to the rigours of the Premier League.
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In truth, Saliba has arguably been the Gunners' standout performer this season. Stellar displays when tasked with dealing with the likes of Harry Kane and Aleksandar Mitrovic have led to an increased desire from those at the top of the Arsenal hierarchy to try and extend the centre-back's contract.
His current deal has two years left to run, meaning next summer could put the club in a difficult position where they must decide between taking a high offer from elsewhere or risking losing Saliba for free the year after.
Arteta has discussed the complex contract situation Arsenal find themselves in with a number of their young stars, including Saliba as well as Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
"Obviously, we have to plan for the future and we are all working on it," he added. "Edu [technical director] is on top of it and all of the board and we'll try to do things in the right way, being fair, and trying to plan the best possible way and reward the players that in our opinion have a big future for the club. When we have something to announce, we will do that."
