Premier League - Arsenal v Leicester City - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - August 13, 2022 Leicester City's James Justin in action with Arsenal's William Saliba.
Arsenal are keen to extend William Saliba’s contract and they hope he will commit his long-term future to the club, according to Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor.
The Lowdown: Great start to the campaign
After signing for the Gunners in 2019 on a long-term deal, the 21-year-old only made his senior debut at the Emirates this season, after three consecutive campaigns away on loan.
However, slotting into Mikel Arteta’s back-line for the first three games of the Premier League season, the France international has gone on to impress.
Saliba was awarded Man of the Match during Arsenal’s opening 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, getting off to a flying start and not slowing down since.
The Latest: Taylor’s claim
In spite of his current contract running until the summer of 2024, Taylor understands Arsenal are keen for Saliba to commit his long-term future to the club, after receiving transfer interest from abroad.
Speaking with GiveMeSport, the reliable journalist claimed:
“There’s been mixed reports on this but, from what I understand, Arsenal are actively keen to tie him down to a new contract.
“I think he’s only got two years left now and it’s clear there’s interest in him from elsewhere, not only Marseille – a club that he spent time on loan at – but Barcelona as well.”
Will Arsenal win a Premier League title under Arteta?
Yes, trust the process
No, out of his depth
The Verdict: Big future at the Emirates
When analysing the Frenchman’s underlying stats, his potential to succeed at the Emirates for years to come is clear to see.
As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the defender exceptionally ranks in the 99th percentile for passes attempted, in the 98th percentile for dribbles completed and in the 97th percentile for pass completion and progressive carries.
Arsenal teammate Granit Xhaka has been extremely complimentary of the 21-year-old since his debut earlier this month, having said: “He has discipline and big character. He is not so loud but he is a proper leader in my eyes. You can see he is amazing.”
With the Gunners holding the lowest average age in the Premier League, Saliba could end up playing a crucial part in the side’s long-term success, both domestically and continentally.
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