Arteta has 'no doubts' that Saliba wants to 'continue' at the club
Mikel Arteta has ‘no doubts’ that William Saliba ‘wants to continue to be here’ despite the Gunners boss admitting he feared there was ‘damage’ in their relationship after three consecutive loan spells
- William Saliba confirmed he was in talks with Arsenal over a new deal at the club
- Mikel Arteta admitted he was concerned their relationship was damaged
- The French international has starred for the Gunners since coming into the side
Mikel Arteta is in no doubt that William Saliba wants to stay at Arsenal, despite the manager initially fearing the Frenchman’s relationship with the club could have been ‘damaged’ by a tough start to life in England.
The defender revealed recently that talks are underway about extending his stay in north London, with Arteta confirming on Wednesday night that technical director Edu was working to secure the 21-year-old’s future – and that of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.
Saliba’s current deal expires in less than two years, though Arsenal do have the option to extend it for a further 12 months.
Mikel Arteta has ‘no doubts’ that William Saliba wants to remain at the Emirates Stadium
The central defender confirmed that talks with the north London side were already underway
Saliba signed for Arsenal in 2019 for £27milliion, only to spend most of the next three seasons on loan in France. He returned this summer a full France international and has now established himself as a crucial part of Arteta’s back four.
Saliba returned to Arsenal this summer as a full French international
The manager conceded that Saliba’s time in the wilderness could have caused a bit of ‘damage’ in his relationship with the club.
But speaking ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash with Bodo/Glimt, Arteta said: ‘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’.
The manager added: ‘I was really impressed and at the same time surprised when I spoke to him.
‘Obviously the way the relationship started and he went on loan, and he came back, and he went again.
‘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.’
The Frenchman’s current contract is up in less than two years after several loan spells
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