DEAL DONE: £27m star now ‘willing to sign deal’ at the Emirates – Fans Happy

Arsenal star William Saliba is ‘willing to sign a new contract’ and there are no fears of the Emirates Stadium favourite moving onto pastures new, according to journalist Paul Brown.

The central defender has been on the Gunners’ books since completing a £27million switch from French side Saint-Etienne in 2019 and the north Londoners are keen to see him commit his long-term future to the club.

What’s the latest news involving Saliba?

Saliba is due to enter the final 18 months of his Arsenal contract, which is worth £40,000-per-week, at the turn of the year.

However, the Gunners are keen to tie the 21-year-old down to fresh terms and, having held preliminary discussions with his representatives, it is understood that a proposal is on the table.

It has been reported that Saliba is unlikely to sign on the dotted line ahead of the World Cup as stellar performances in Qatar could raise his profile and result in more lucrative terms being wanted.

The seven-cap France international was named in Les Bleus’ squad for the tournament earlier this week, meaning he will be on the flight to Qatar in a matter of days.

But, in a boost for Arsenal, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Saliba is seriously considering the contract offer which has been put forward and there is growing optimism that he will remain in the capital.

What has Paul Brown said about Saliba?

Brown understands that Saliba is open to committing his long-term future to Arsenal and will eventually pen fresh terms.

The journalist believes the former Marseille loanee could attract interest while featuring for France at the World Cup, but the Gunners are not fearful of an exit.

Brown told GIVEMESPORT: “Everything suggests that he is willing to sign a new contract at Arsenal and that will get done.

“There might be a few other clubs sniffing around him if France do well and he’s at the heart of that at the World Cup.

“But, at the moment, Arsenal don’t seem particularly worried about losing him anytime soon.”

Does Saliba deserve a new contract?

Arsenal have gone into the mid-season break, due to the World Cup taking place, top of the Premier League and Saliba has played a key role.

He went into the campaign still searching for his Gunners debut despite joining the club three years ago, but he has gone on to make one of the slots at the heart of the defence his own.

Saliba has started every top flight fixture heading into the World Cup, missing just 14 minutes along the way, and he has also popped up with goals against Bournemouth and Brentford.

Having formed a formidable partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes, he has averaged more tackles than his Brazilian team-mate per 90 minutes and also boasts a better pass completion rate.

That emphasises Saliba’s importance and Arteta, who has described the centre-half as ‘superb’, should make tying him down to a new contract his top priority.