Arsenal are in formal talks with William Saliba to extend his contract at the club, as per latest reports. The Frenchman has been instrumental in the North London side’s recent success as they stand at the top of the Premier League table.

Arsenal Sporting Director, Edu Gasper, is ready to move forward with his long-term plan. This plan includes binding the centre-back to a new contract and keep him at the Emirates for a longer period of time. The defender still has two years left in his current contract, but the Gunners want to secure him as quickly as possible.

Mikel Arteta’s handling of William Saliba has been commendable. The 21-year-old was sent out on loan three times in the first three years at Arsenal. This is practically his first season playing at the Emirates Stadium. He had already become a fan favourite with his performances and attitude even when out on loan.

According to The Athletic, Arsenal have began formal talks with William Saliba over a contract extension. The Gunners are in between negotiations and have sent over an improved contract to the Frenchman. However, there is no agreement between the parties.

Arsenal are offering William Saliba a contract that will triple his earnings as per the current deal, as reported by TEAMTALK. The new deal will retain the 21-year-old defender for five more years and keep him at the Emirates till 2028.

The France international has a contract with the North London side till June 2024 with an option to extend for a further year. He is attracting interest from other big clubs which is why Edu wants Saliba to be committed to the club in a long-term deal.

The Frenchman’s partner Gabriel Magalhaes recently received a five-year contract extension. This shows the clear-cut plan of Arsenal to build a squad for the future. Saliba and Gabriel look set to be the heart of the defensive line for many more years to come. Their partnership has played a significant role in Arsenal’s successful first half of the season.

William Saliba has suggested early talks have begun over signing a new contract at Arsenal. pic.twitter.com/nvXwhsWpD1

— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) October 3, 2022

The Gunners would not want to slow down, with a 5-point lead over Manchester City. Rival fans are waiting for them to falter in the title race. However, that does not seem to be the case as Arteta’s men have been getting good results week in, week out. Saliba playing as the centre-back is one of the reasons for Arsenal’s success this season.

Is It Sensible For Arsenal And William Saliba To Agree On A Long-Term Contract After Half A Season?

While Arsenal have the right idea to fix Saliba’s place in the squad, it might be a bit too early for that decision. Even though the North London side signed the 21-year-old in 2019, this is the first season he is playing with the senior squad at the Emirates. We are halfway into the season and it is safe to say that the Frenchman is one of the first names in the starting lineup.

There are already two more years left on his present deal with an option to extend for another year. A long-term contract might mean adding another 2 or 3 years to his contract. This indicates that the Gunners want to hold onto Saliba for another 6-7 years based on half-a-season’s display.

Arsenal should wait at least till the end of the season to realistically know where they are as a club. They should also monitor the growth and performance of Saliba throughout the season, before going ahead with a contract extension. If all the signs are positive, they can then go ahead with the contract extension as the club will have a better idea of what is to be expected of the player.

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Binding a high potential player to the club for 6-7 years does sound good, keeping in mind the circumstances that can arise in that time. The bad form of the player, change in management, or the emergence of younger talent with better potential are some of the situations where either the club or the player might regret having signed a long-term contract.

The Gunners should first spend enough time with the player to know for sure that Saliba is their best choice moving forward.

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