Arsenal centre-back William Saliba is “very close” to putting pen to paper on a contract extension, according to Calciomercato.com.

The Italian website claims the France international is expected to sign a new four-and-a-half-year deal that will keep him at the Emirates until 2027.

Depending on what report you read, Saliba’s contract either expires at the end of this season or in 2024, although there is believed to be an option to extend for a further year in either case.

Getting the 21-year-old tied down for the long term is, therefore, a priority, and it appears the Gunners are now closing in on an agreement with the player.

Saliba has played a key role in the London club’s outstanding form this season, with Mikel Arteta’s side having the second-best defensive record in the Premier League.

Paris Saint-Germain and other teams are believed to have kept tabs on the centre-half’s situation but it seems as though he will be staying in England.