Arsenal expect William Saliba to remain at the Emirates next season, after “positive talks” were held over a contract extension, according to Chris Wheatley.
The trusted journalist claims that sources close to the player AND the club have told him that the France international won’t be leaving the Gunners:
William Saliba contract talks going positively with Frenchman set to return for pre-season training shortly.
The French defender will be at Arsenal for the 2022-23 season, as confirmed by manager Mikel Arteta and people close to the player. 🇫🇷 #AFC
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) June 25, 2022
Reports in France have suggested that Marseille may table a formal bid in the region of €30m (£26m) for Saliba but this latest update has made fans on Twitter feel confident that the defender will remain in London:
Gassed to see this! We finally get to see him play for the mighty Arsenal this season. Been a long time coming
— Harry (@AFCHarry420) June 26, 2022
This will definitely feel like a new signing
— boogaloo (@k_murll) June 25, 2022
Biggest news yet
— SakaLaca (@BooomSakaLaca) June 25, 2022
@Flex__Off it just keeps getting better
— Zedai (@zedai11) June 25, 2022
I can’t believe all this positive news about Arsenal is real, man !! We the fans deserve some good runs after the long-suffering szns
— Oluwa🦅 (@_Oluwa__) June 25, 2022
Defence is getting pumped
— Dave (@DavidAkinJames) June 25, 2022
THANK GOODNESS lets hope that is the end of the Saliba saga that is going on with Marseille 🙏
— sheila (@sheila_gooner) June 25, 2022
Manager Mikel Arteta has previously spoken out to say that he wants Saliba around for preseason but it has to be said that there will be fierce competition for the two centre-half positions.
Not only will Saliba have to compete with Ben White, Rob Holding and Gabriel, but Arsenal are also pursuing Ajax’s Lisandro Martinez, so it remains to be seen where the Frenchman will fit in the pecking order.
