Mikel Arteta opens up on Arsenal star sale worries as Arsenal agreement update awaits
Mikel Arteta acknowledged that timing will be crucial in contract negotiations for Arsenal’s William Saliba.
After three loan stints, the Frenchman’s debut season in north London was spectacular.
Before sustaining a back injury in March, he had started every Premier League game for Arsenal. Since then, the Gunners’ pursuit of the championship has slowed without him.
Despite his undeniable significance, Arsenal has not yet secured Saliba’s long-term future.
Since before the World Cup, discussions have been ongoing to offer the 22-year-old a new contract, but there is currently no agreement in place.
In the summer, he will have just 12 months remaining on his current contract, and although Arteta was unable to provide an update on the negotiations’ status, he was eager to convey his desire to retain the young defender.
“We want to keep our best players,” the Spaniard told reporters prior to Sunday’s match against Newcastle. “Specifically the athletes who merit recognition.
I believe he has been phenomenal since returning from his loan period, and we definitely want to reward him. We will find an appropriate time to do that.”
Saliba is one of a number of young talents that Arsenal would like to sign to new contracts.
This season, Gabriel Martinelli has already signed a long-term extension, and according to thesoccerstand.com, negotiations over Bukayo Saka’s contract have advanced positively and a deal should be reached shortly.
Concerning Saliba, however, there are currently no updates, causing some concern that Arsenal could lose him for a reduced price.
Despite this, Arteta revealed that he has complete faith in Arsenal’s technical director Edu to reach a contract accord with the France international.
He stated, “Of course Edu and the board are on top of every new contract negotiation, and we are doing everything possible to complete these negotiations at the optimal time.”
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“The relationship and communication are superb. I believe that timing is crucial. “Nothing more”
Mikel Arteta opens up on Arsenal star sale worries as Arsenal agreement update awaits