Irksome Arsenal situation could come back to bite Gunners, with star’s future up in the air

William Saliba is reportedly not in a hurry to pen a new Arsenal deal, which could come back to bite the Gunners down the line.

Saliba has been one of Arsenal’s most important assets this season. After three loan spells away since he joined the north London side, he has finally broken into the first team.

His impact at the back has been noticeable, and Arsenal have conceded just seven goals in seven games. Furthermore, he has had an impact going forwards too.

Indeed, the Frenchman has two goals and an assist to his name this term.

While all has gone well for Saliba, contract talks have now cropped up. The centre-back has a deal running until the end of next season.

While that poses no problems in the immediate future, down the line, there could be an issue. Indeed, Arsenal insider David Ornstein believes that Saliba is in a position of power over his club.

“The power is all in Saliba’s hands in this situation,” he said on Rio Ferdinand presents FIVE.

“The situation, as I understand, is that he’s not in a rush to come and sit down [to sign a contract].

“He’s focusing on his football. What does he need to rush for?”

While Ornstein’s point that he is not in a rush makes sense, it could come back to bite Arsenal. They will not want to let it get to a point where the star can leave for free, or for very little.

Arsenal should attempt to sort Saliba contract situation

While it is not an issue now, Saliba’s stock could well rise over the next year or so. It has already started to do so a fair bit since he has been playing in a Gunners shirt.

If that continues, and he does not have a new deal, other clubs may come sniffing around to tempt him away. Whether or not he would leave remains to be seen, but Arsenal could face that situation.

As such, at some point over the next year, they will likely want to think about tying him down to a new deal.

Indeed, he could be a star at the club for years to come if they keep him happy, and they will be better for that.