William Saliba is set to become the latest Arsenal first-team player, in the past month or so, to commit his future to the club.
With the Frenchman's deal due to expire at the end of next season, football.london understands he has verbally agreed a new four-year contract with the north London outfit - keeping him at the club until the summer of 2027 at the latest - therefore all that remains is for the defender to officially put pen to paper.
This development will no doubt be music to the ears of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta: "We want to keep our best talent," he told reporters last month. "Especially the players that deserve some recognition. I think he has been incredible since he came back from his loan period and we want to reward him, that is for sure. We will find the right moment to do that.
"Obviously Edu and the board are on top of every negotiation regarding new contracts and now we are doing everything we possibly can to do that in the right moment at the right time. The communication and the relationship is super. It is about timing, I think. Nothing else."
The Saliba news comes hot on the heels of Arsenal reaching a breakthrough with regard to Hale End graduate Reiss Nelson as football.london also understands that talks regarding a new deal for the Hale End academy graduate are now in the final stages, with the club confident a deal can be finalised.
Of course with Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Saka already signing new contracts in addition to the Gunners preparing for talks with captain Martin Odegaard, whose deal is currently due to expire in the summer of 2025, a lot of praise is falling at the feet of Arteta, technical director Edu Gaspar and director of football operations, Richard Garlick.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta's ideal Arsenal summer signing revealed as surprise £70m transfer target emerges
And whilst the reaction to a verbal agreement for Saliba on social media has been largely positive, some supporters are already clamouring for an announcement regarding a new arrival - or two - with just a few days until the summer transfer window officially opens.
In fact, with the Gunners being confident over Nelson's future, set to open contract talks with Odegaard not to mention the confirmation of Ramsdale and Saka staying put, many fans have taken it upon themselves to decide what deal Arteta and Edu should look to complete next.
On Twitter, @AFCJulian_ said: "Arsenal securing Saka and Saliba for 4 years is good, now get Rice, Caicedo, Fresneda and Wahi. That’ll be a 10/10 transfer window", @PapeStacka asked: "Saliba new contract done, Rice and Caicedo incoming?" and @nanabadu26 said: "Now go and get some quality players like Rice and Caicedo."
With that said, some supporters are of the opinion that tying down Saliba is the most important signing the club can make this summer.
@Gooner_Richard said: "I’d love us to sign Caicedo and Rice, but getting Saliba signed up for a new deal is the most important piece of business we’ll do all summer", although @Tetastrickyreds said: "Getting cover for Saliba is more important than getting Rice/Caicedo."
Who should Arsenal target next? Have your say in the Big Forum below!
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