Paris Saint Germain are lining up a potential move for standout French centre-back William Saliba from Arsenal as contract talks continue to stall in north London according to reports.
The French international has made a stunning start to Premier League life, playing every minute in the top flight as he has helped the Gunners into top spot after 9 games of the season.
The Gunners are keen on extending his contract, which has two years left to run, and are thought to have opened talks with his agent, along with the entourages of fellow young stars Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
Mikel Arteta himself is certain of Saliba’s happiness amid concerns he may not wish to renew his deal at the Emirates.
“Obviously the way the relationship started and he went on loan, and he came back, and he went again”, the Arsenal boss explained. If that was a bit of damage there, because obviously he had certain expectations and something happened, but again he was so committed and so focused just to play for Arsenal that I think it took all of us by a little bit of surprise.
“So if I look at how he talks about the club and how much he wants to be here, I have no doubts that he wants to continue to be here.”
Arsenal’s William Saliba celebrates his side’s second goal of the game, scored by team-mate Gabriel (not pictured) during the Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, London. Picture date: Saturday August 27, 2022. 2JT27J9 Arsenal’s William Saliba celebrates his side’s second goal of the game, scored by team-mate Gabriel (not pictured) during the Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, London. Picture date: Saturday August 27, 2022. (Alamy Stock Photo)
“Compared to Martinelli and Saka, he’s [Saliba] only been back at the club a few months”, he explained.
“He’s still coming to terms with a lot of voices in his ear. It’s not just Marseille, it’s PSG saying: ‘if you’re that uncertain or unsure about Arsenal, we can potentially bring you in’.
“PSG are definitely still looking for defenders. I see no reason he would want to leave but the only caveat there is he did love living in France. If PSG did come in, it might give him a decision to make.
“Arsenal have confidence but there is a lot more concrete interest around Saliba.”
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