Mikel Arteta has admitted that timing will be key when it comes to negotiations over William Saliba's Arsenal contract.
The Frenchman has enjoyed a sublime debut season in north London after three spells out on loan. He had started every game for Arsenal in the Premier League until suffering a back injury in March, and the Gunners' title charge has faltered since then in his absence.
Despite his undoubted importance Arsenal are still yet to secure Saliba's long-term future. Talks have been ongoing to offer the 22-year-old a new contract since before the World Cup, but as things stand no agreement is in place. He will have just 12 months remaining on his current deal in the summer, and although Arteta was unable to provide any update on the progress of the negotiations he was keen to express his desire to keep ahold of the young defender.
