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Arsenal face transfer disaster as three ‘major’ clubs chase vital player; Arteta anxiously intensifies contract talks

William-Saliba-Gabriel-Jesus-Arsenal

Arsenal are hoping to fend off growing interest in centre-back William Saliba by tying him down to a new contract, according to reports. 

The 22-year-old has been instrumental in the Gunners’ recent success. So, it would be a major blow for Mikel Arteta to lose one of his most important players.

Saliba has been sidelined with a back injury since April. His absence has coincided with Arsenal’s worst run of form this season, too.

Overall, the France international has made 27 Premier League appearances. In the process, he has helped his team to 12 clean sheets, as well as scoring two goals.

Saliba only has one season remaining on his Arsenal contract but the Gunners have now ‘started negotiations to extend it’ – but ‘no agreement has been reached’ so far.

Now, according to RMC Sport, ‘three major clubs’ have enquired about signing the centre-back this summer.

As mentioned, Arteta is desperate to keep Saliba and has made tying him down to fresh terms ‘a matter of urgency. But, despite negotiations taking place for weeks, an agreement has not been reached.

Given Saliba’s importance to the team, the Emirates faithful are no doubt anxiously awaiting the club extending his stay.

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Arsenal face losing Saliba this summer

As per RMC Sport’s report, Arsenal could now potentially lose Saliba for a reduced fee if he fails to sign a new contract.

Also, it’s likely the London club sell him sooner rather than later, to avoid losing him on a free transfer,

At one point, it looked like Saliba could leave Arsenal before even playing a game for the Gunners following a number of loan spells.

However, his performances on loan at Marseille last season earned him the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year award. This convinced convinced Arteta to give him a go in the first team this campaign.

Arsenal lost 3-0 to Brighton on Sunday to most likely end their chances of lifting the Premier League title.

Their defending in the game has been widely criticsed by pundits But, Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher debunked the “myth” that Arsenal’s defensive problems only started when Saliba picked up his injury.

“After the World Cup, still with William Saliba in the team… [they played] 13 games and conceded 14.”

“Not the end of the world, but they went from the best in the league [before the World Cup] to 10th. That is a massive drop-off.

“…Without William Saliba they drop even further… But this idea that they weren’t conceding goals or looking vulnerable with William Saliba at centre-back is a myth.”

Nevertheless, Arteta will be desperate to keep hold of the centre-back for the foreseeable future. For now, though, his new contract remains unsigned, and three ‘major’ clubs are circling.

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