Arsenal ‘will step up attempts to tie down William Saliba to new long-term contract next week’

Arsenal will speed up their efforts to keep William Saliba at the club, according to reports.

The French defender has been a key part of the Gunners’ squad, which currently sits eight points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.

Y ESPN are reporting that Mikel Arteta’s team are keen to intensify attempts to link Saliba to a new long-term contract at the Emirates.

Arsenal will reportedly step up efforts to reach a long-term deal with William Saliba next week.

The French defender has started in all the league games for Mikel Arteta’s team so far this season

The 21-year-old central defender insisted he is “very happy” at the club after Sunday’s north London derby win against Tottenham.

He said: ‘The club is talking to my agent and me, the only thing I can do is [focus on my football]. I am so happy here.

Arsenal activated a clause to extend his existing contract until 2024, but want to secure his long-term future.

Saliba, 21, insisted he is “very happy” at the club after Sunday’s north London derby win against Spurs.

His latest contract offer reportedly fell somewhat short of the French star’s demands, but with Saliba’s agent reportedly due to be in London next week, there is reportedly confidence a deal could be struck. .

Saliba joined from Saint-Etienne in 2019 for £27m, but only made his competitive debut this season after loan spells at Saint-Etienne, Nice and Marseille.

He has started every Premier League game for Arsenal this season, playing 1,605 of a possible 1,620 minutes in the top flight so far this season and cementing a superb partnership with Brazilian Gabriel Magalhaes.