Arsenal have held ‘initial discussions’ over a new long-term contract with Emirates Stadium favourite William Saliba, according to journalist Dean Jones.
Having spent close to £120million on securing reinforcements during the summer transfer window, which closed earlier this month, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has turned his attentions towards negotiating fresh terms with some of his key players in north London.
It is understood that Arsenal are pushing hard to tie Saliba, along with team-mates Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, down to a new long-term contract.
The Gunners have reached out to the central defender’s representatives and are anxious to reach an agreement over fresh terms after the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Barcelona were linked with making a move during the summer.
Saliba has entered the final two years of his contract, which is worth £40,000-per-week, but he has established himself as a key component of Arsenal’s backline since the new season got underway.