Despite failing to make his senior debut, Arsenal would like to extend William Saliba’s contract.
The Gunners, led by manager Mikel Arteta, have yet to award the young French centre-back with some first-team minutes, but after witnessing him put in an impressive campaign while on loan with Marseille, according to Fabrizio Romano, the Londoners are keen to tie the 21-year-old down on new and improved terms.
Writing in his latest exclusive column, Romano said: “Arsenal have always intended to keep William Saliba at the club next season […] Arsenal will also try to negotiate a new contract with Saliba.”
News that the club view Saliba as a genuine contender to become one of the side’s regular defensive figures will come as a huge relief to fans.
Not only has the Frenchman just enjoyed a successful season, but Arsenal aren’t blessed with world-class defensive options so having a player with a high ceiling is definitely going to be a boost.
Should the Gunners successfully extend the former Marseille loanee’s deal, it will be interesting to see just how quickly Saliba can establish a first-team role and how important he proves to be to the club’s push for Champions League qualification next season.
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