William Saliba’s future remains uncertain as the star closes in on the final two years of his contract at Arsenal.
The defender has impressed ever since making his way into the first team, keeping hold of his place at centre-back as an important option in the backline.
In July 2023, following his rise to the fore of the team, William Saliba signed a new four-year contract extension.
In the eyes of some Arsenal fans, it was a risk as just a couple of years later, talks would have to start over a new deal again to avoid an awkward situation with the final year of his stay.
That time is now approaching, with just over two years remaining on his contract, creating uncertainty over his future.
That’s only furthered as William Saliba has been linked with a transfer to Real Madrid, which could tempt an exit.
What William Saliba is telling Arsenal about a contract and Real Madrid links
With William Saliba approaching the final two years of his deal at the Emirates Stadium, there is always going to be discussion over his future.
Arsenal Insider understands that Arsenal want to offer a new contract to Saliba, while they understand that Real Madrid’s interest in him is natural given his quality.
Saliba recently eased fears over his contract by making it clear that he still sees his future at Arsenal.
However, what is said in public and private can often be different, though Fabrizio Romano revealed that the messaging is very much the same.
He said on his YouTube channel: “What he wanted to clarify in the press conference before the game against PSV Eindhoven is really important.
“It’s really important for us to understand the situation because Saliba is saying first of all we are not in talks over a new deal.
“We had many reports about negotiations started, negotiations didn’t start but there are still two years left at Arsenal but also important to say William Saliba said ‘I want to continue here’ and this is the message he’s sending in public but also in private.
“He’s telling Arsenal not to panic because we had many reports about Real Madrid. I was telling you that Real Madrid appreciates Saliba, someone internally at Real Madrid sees Saliba as the Bellingham of the defenders.
“So they consider Saliba as a fantastic player, fantastic opportunity out of contract in 2027 but it’s not something being negotiated now.
“Real Madrid are not negotiating with Saliba, Real Madrid have not approached Arsenal, so we are not in negotiation and William Saliba sent a very clear message.”
It remains to be seen if that will change in the months ahead, but there will be a huge year in terms of sorting out his contract.
Andrea Berta will be key in William Saliba’s Arsenal stay
If William Saliba is to stay at Arsenal for the long term, those discussions over a new contract will have to start in the next year to avoid an awkward situation.
Once a player enters their final year, then it could be difficult to agree on a decent contract, while the final six months allow them to sign a pre-contract agreement abroad.
While it may be early now, not least with a big summer ahead in the transfer window, the next few months could be key in keeping Saliba.
The arrival of Andrea Berta as the new sporting director could play a huge part in that, given his experience.
The Italian will be tasked with bolstering the squad as well as keeping hold of a spine that has brought success so far.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
