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Arsenal

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William Saliba contract: Arsenal ready to treble star’s salary as new deal details emerge to fend off PSG plan

Arsenal centre-back William Saliba

Arsenal are hopeful of tying William Saliba down to a new contract after his excellent start to the season with the Gunners.

The French defender has been one of the best players in the Premier League this season. He has started in all 14 of their Premier League matches up until this point.

His fine form was noticed by Didier Deschamps and he received a call-up to the national side. Saliba was an unused substitute in France’s World Cup opener against Australia.

The French defender has formed an excellent partnership at the back with Gabriel Magalhaes this season. Arsenal currently boast the joint-best defensive record in the league, along with Newcastle.

Mikel Arteta’s side have only conceded 11 goals this season at an average of just 0.78 per game. If they were to continue at their current rate, they would only concede 29 goals this season.

Saliba has had to fight for his place in the Arsenal squad, but his persistence is now paying off.

The 21-year-old had a terrific season with Marseille on loan last season and forced himself into Arteta’s plans at Arsenal.

A new contract is in the works

As a reward for his consistency, Arsenal are keen on tying Saliba down to a new long-term contract.

He will soon enter the final 18 months of his contract which is reportedly worth around £40,000-per-week as things stand.

According to CBS journalist Jonathan Johnson, Arsenal plan to offer Saliba a new contract in the following months.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “It is my understanding on the French end that there is likely to be a contract extension at some point in the next couple of months.”

Per reports, Saliba is in line for a deal that will treble his current earnings and tie him down for a further five seasons. That will keep the 21-year-old at Emirates Stadium until 2028.

Arsenal will be looking to protect his value as PSG have reportedly registered an interest in him.

PSG certainly have the financial powers to make a deal happen, but Arsenal will be hoping that a new long-term contract will be enough to convince Saliba.

Arteta has built one of the most cohesive sides in the Premier League and it would be tough to walk away from them right now.

Arteta is keen to get contract sorted

Last month Arteta commented on Saliba’s contract situation and says he is pleased with how their relationship has developed.

“Obviously the way the relationship started and he went on loan, and he came back, and he went again,” He said via Football London.

“If that was a bit of damage there, because obviously he had certain expectations and something happened, but again he was so committed and so focused just to play for Arsenal that I think it took all of us by a little bit of surprise.

“So if I look at how he talks about the club and how much he wants to be here, I have no doubts that he wants to continue to be here.”

Saliba signed for Arsenal in 2019 and then spent three seasons out on loan. The 21-year-old has massively benefited from his loan spells in Ligue 1.

Time will tell if Arsenal do manage to tie him down to a new deal.

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