Arsenal are yet to agree a new contract with William Saliba, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

It has been reported that the Gunners have opened negotiations to extend the Frenchman’s current deal, which expires in 2024, but Romano says that an agreement between the two parties hasn’t been reached so far, with the “priority” being Bukayo Saka:

“Talks have been ongoing between Arsenal and Bukayo Saka since February. He’s happy at the club and loves Arsenal, this is why Arteta is optimistic. For Arsenal it is a priority, we will see the timing in the coming months. Martinelli is another player on the list for contract extension, and Saliba too – nothing completed yet.”

Saliba was said to be reluctant to sign an extension earlier in the summer when his future at the Emirates was uncertain but he has since begun to feature regularly in the first team.

The 21-year-old has had an excellent start to the campaign, with the defender having forced his way into manager Mikel Arteta’s plans following his return from a loan spell at Marseille.

Saliba has impressed Arteta to the extent that the France international has been favoured ahead of Ben White in the centre of defence, despite Arsenal having paid £50m for the Englishman just over twelve months ago.