Transfer expert Steve Kay says that William Saliba will sign a new contract at Arsenal ‘by the end of the month’.
The Lowdown: Talks ongoing
It has been reported that talks are ongoing between Arsenal and Saliba over a new deal, but certain parts still needed to be ironed out before it is signed off.
His current contract at the Emirates Stadium expires in 2024, meaning that he will only have a year left come the summer.
The Latest: Deal close
Taking to Twitter, Kay says that he has been ‘told’ that Saliba will sign a new contract ‘by the end of the month’, which will increase his wages and length of deal from first discussions in January:
“Arsenal centre-back William Saliba will sign a new contract I’m told by the end of the month.
“Currently the French international is on £40,000 per-week, #Arsenal will look to a compromise regarding increased wages & a larger contract than first discussed in January.“
The Verdict: Huge boost
The fact that Saliba’s contract situation will seemingly be sorted out by the end of the month is a huge boost for the Gunners.
He was a standout performer in Thursday evening’s 2-2 draw away at Sporting in the UEFA Europa League, scoring the opening goal of the tie with a bullet header, while none of his team-mates made more clearances, interceptions or accurate long balls than him, and he also had the most touches of the ball (SofaScore).
Saliba has also been a key player in Arsenal’s title charge this campaign, with only Gabriel in the squad winning more aerial duels than him, while he averages more passes per match than any of his team-mates in the Premier League, and has played in every match under Mikel Arteta this term (WhoScored).
On only £40,000-per-week, Saliba is remarkably one of the lowest earners in the squad, and so deserves a significant pay rise to match his importance to the club.
