Exclusive: Edu in a rush to tie down Arsenal star Arteta loves as PSG lurk with mega-money offer
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is charging Edu with tying down another Gunners star to a bumper new contract, just days after a deal for Bukayo Saka was confirmed, TEAMtalk can reveal.
The Gunners face another decisive day in the Premier League title race. They currently sit a mouth-watering eight points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table. City host Liverpool in a tasty mouthwatering lunchtime showdown.
And a loss to Jurgen Klopp’s side will give Arsenal a chance to extend their advantage to a massive 11 points in their 3pm clash against Leeds.
Indeed, the Gunners’ push for the title this season has far exceeded expectations at the start of the season. Their main target was a top-four finish; something which will likely be confirmed before April is out.
And the basis for their title push has been formed thanks to a solid spine in the side.
To that end, Arteta has an extremely settled side and a number of dependable stars shining bright.
As a result, news has emerged this week that a deal for one of them, Saka, has all but been sealed. But as TEAMtalk has learned, that does not stop Man City from potentially exploiting a future loophole to sign the England star.
Saka’s new deal will reportedly be announced in due course.
Now Arteta is tasking Arteta with tying down another star to a bumper new deal as a matter of urgency.
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Arteta desperate for Saliba to sign new Arsenal deal
William Saliba has been an absolute rock for the Gunners this season, proving an absolute Rolls-Royce of a defender.
He has appeared in 33 games this season, but will be missing on Saturday against Leeds in what will prove a huge blow.
As it stands the Frenchman is out of contract in July 2024 – just 15 months from now.
The Gunners do, though, hold a one-year option to extend that contract, however, giving them a little breathing room.
Arsenal officials, led by Edu, are eager to reward his form with a new deal. As a result, they have been talking to him and his people since the summer over an extension. However, an agreement is not yet in place.
Now Saliba’s form and contract situation is starting to see the vultures gathering. And we can reveal that Paris Saint-Germain like him a lot, and they are paying very close attention to what is happening.
Failure to tie him to an extension will likely see the French giants prepare a mega-money deal to prise him away.
TEAMtalk, though, can reveal that Arteta has made it clear to his bosses he wants Saliba pinned down long term. Arsenal are confident this will get done and they are working hard to make sure it happens before the season ends.
Getting Saliba and Saka tied down to new contracts have been Arteta’s major priority this season. Now with Saka reportedly secure, all efforts will now be ploughed into tying down Saliba too.
