Mikel Arteta was right about ‘colossal’ Arsenal star as player addresses exit rumours

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Andrea Berta is the talk of the town as a result of his impressive start to life as Arsenal’s sporting director.

It’s unheard of for Arsenal to have signed as many as six quality players before August hits in the summer transfer window.

Arsenal fans have been singing Berta’s praises as the sporting director continues to impress, having just handed Mikel Arteta the striker he’s been dreaming of. 

Most importantly, the Arsenal squad looks far stronger than it did at the start of the summer, and more good news seems to be just around the corner. 

• READ MORE: Arsenal transfer news and rumours today including Eberechi Eze ‘agreement’ amid William Saliba contract claim

William Saliba responds to Arsenal contract question

Aside from adding new players to the squad, Berta is also responsible for sales and contract extensions. 

The Italian has already tied Myles Lewis-Skelly down to a new deal, with work being done to extend the stays of other key squad members. 

Gabriel Magalhaes signed a new contract last month, and it’s hoped that his partner in crime is next, as William Saliba’s current deal expires in 2027. 

Arsenal fans made it clear that they want Saliba to stay, and the Frenchman appears to be on the same page.

After the Gunners’ pre-season win over Newcastle, the centre-back told AFTV in the mixed zone that he hopes he signs a new contract ‘soon’.

“Hopefully soon! God is great,” Saliba said with a beaming smile.

The response comes at a positive time as Real Madrid are still obsessed with Saliba, but the 24-year-old has made it abundantly clear that his mind is on Arsenal. 

Mikel Arteta is aware of Saliba’s stance on leaving Arsenal

It’s no surprise that Berta is working hard to keep Saliba, who has been dubbed ‘colossal’, at the Emirates.

Being one of the best central defenders in the world, it’s also unsurprising that the France international is turning heads elsewhere.

Despite Real Madrid’s interest in the Arsenal star being well-documented, Arteta has made it clear that Saliba is happy in North London.

“What I’m certain, because I had the conversation with him, is that he is so happy here,” Arteta said in May.

“He wants to continue with us, and what will happen in the future with our negotiations and things that have to take time and process and be on top of them.”

Arteta has always known Saliba’s commitment to Arsenal, with the defender showing his true colours when asked about the status of his new deal.