The Athletic journalist David Ornstein has revealed that Arsenal have made an official contract 'offer' to William Saliba.

The Lowdown: Talks opened

It was reported in September that Mikel Arteta's team had opened initial talks with the 21-year-old over a new deal at the Emirates Stadium.

His current contract is set to expire in 2023, while there is an option for a further 12 months (The Athletic).

The Latest: 'Offer' made to Saliba

Taking to Twitter in sharing a report for The Athletic, Ornstein has revealed that Arsenal have made an official 'offer' to Saliba, and 'formal contract talks' are ongoing in order to try and get a deal in place.

The reporter stated: "Arsenal now in formal contract talks with William Saliba. Offer made to 21yo defender - no agreement yet but negotiations ongoing as #AFC seek to secure long-term future of France international. Current deal 2023 + option to extend by 1yr."

The Verdict: Get it done

With so little time remaining on his contract, this is a deal that the Gunners simply need to get done as soon as possible.

Saliba has played in every game in the Premier League under Arteta so far this season, becoming a key member of the Arsenal team who top the table and even contributing two goals and one assist along the way from defence (Transfermarkt).

The France international should be on the plane for the World Cup in Qatar, and Arsenal need to ensure that they get a deal done before then in order to remove all uncertainty over his future.

Saliba is thought to be earning just £40,000-per-week at the Emirates, one of the lowest wages in the squad, and he certainly deserves a bumper pay rise.