Arsenal could face a battle to retain William Saliba this summer after ‘three unnamed big clubs made inquiries’ about the highly rated defender, with Mikel Arteta keen to commit him to a new contract after talks opened
- William Saliba impressed this season before suffering an untimely back injury
- He has not signed any improved terms since joining the club as a teenager in 2019
- RMC Sport has claimed that three unnamed clubs have now asked for him
Arsenal could face a fight to keep defender William Saliba this summer after three mysterious ‘big’ clubs made inquiries, according to reports.
As it stands, the centre-back’s contract expires at the end of next season, although boss Mikel Arteta is keen to give him an extension.
As reported by Mail Sport earlier this month, Arteta is confident that Saliba will put new terms on paper, but only when the time is right. Talks have already been held with the highly regarded 24-year-old representatives before the World Cup break.
But with no breakthrough yet, speculation about his future has begun to emerge.
And now, RMC Sports have claimed that three clubs have expressed their interest.
Three unnamed clubs have made inquiries about Arsenal player William Saliba, according to reports
Saliba has impressed for the club this season, with his injury coinciding with their drop in form
Mikel Arteta has openly admitted that he would like to give the central defender an improved contract
Saliba has been an integral part of Arteta’s title challengers this season, having impressed individually and helped the side achieve 11 Premier League clean sheets.
However, after suffering a back injury in the Europa League last-16 defeat to Sporting Lisbon, the stalwart was ruled out for the rest of the season.
To reward him for his strong year, Arteta has approved plans to offer him a deal.
His influence at the club is evident. Since Saliba suffered the fracture that sidelined him for several months, Arsenal’s eight-point lead at the top has been chased by Manchester City, who are poised to defend their crown.
Indeed, Arsenal have managed just one shutout in the nine games since Saliba’s injury, with draws against Liverpool, West Ham and Southampton proving costly.
In his absence, Arteta’s men were also beaten solidly at home by Brighton, virtually collapsing their surprise attack for the trophy this season at the death.
Saliba suffered a broken back during the Europa League last-16 defeat to Sporting Lisbon
Arteta believes rewarding Saliba with a new deal is simply a matter of timing and not money
On the prospect of Saliba’s new terms, Arteta said: ‘It is clear that Edu and the board are at the top of any negotiation of new contracts and now we are doing everything we can to do that at the right time at the right time.
‘The communication and relationship is great. It’s about timing. Nothing else.’
Notably, Saliba has not signed an improved deal since joining the club in 2019.
“We want to keep our best talent. Especially the players who deserve some recognition,” Arteta added. “I think he’s been incredible since he came back from his loan spell and we want to reward him, that’s for sure.
“We’ll find the right time to do that.”