William Saliba's agent, Djibrii Niang, has posted on Instagram from dinner at the Nobu Hotel in London with the defender's Arsenal future facing uncertainty at the Emirates Stadium.
Saliba enjoyed a successful loan spell back in France with Marseille last season, picking up the award for Ligue 1's Young player of the Season. The 21-year-old joined Arsenal back in 2019 for a fee of £27million but is yet to make a competitive appearance for the Gunners after being shipped out on-loan for the past three seasons.
The French defender has impressed during the pre-season tour of America, putting in brilliant displays against Premier League rivals Everton and Chelsea as he contributed to keeping back-to-back clean sheets before the club returned to base in north London. Saliba only has two years left on his current deal but manager Mikel Arteta is keen to keep the 21-year-old admitting he is 'in the plan' for next season.
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Saliba's agent posted a picture of the Nobu Hotel menu on his Instagram story on Monday evening with reports circling that the Gunners are set to enter contract talks with the player in an effort to renew the Frenchman's current deal. Reports of a new deal will be welcomed greatly by Arsenal supporters considering the youngster's outstanding performances during pre-season.
Transfer guru Paxton took to Twitter in recent weeks to say: "It is my understanding that William Saliba has already agreed a new deal to extend his [Arsenal] contract after positive talks before the US tour. Arsenal pleased with his development and see him as an important part of the future, yet there is no word on when an official announcement is expected." With the 21-year-old's agent staying in London this week, an announcement could be made this week ahead of the Gunners' season opener against Crystal Palace next week.
Saliba will be hoping to receive some guarantees from Arteta this season after such a stellar campaign last year with Marseille, with the French defender looking to challenge White and Gabriel for a starting spot. With the Frenchman's agent in London, it may signal to Arsenal fans that an contract renewal announcement is on the way whilst Edu continues to search for new additions to join Arteta's squad, with many arrivals and departures expected before the transfer deadline.
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