I used to be in Tuesday’s press convention when William Saliba was quizzed on his future and what was simple in his solutions was the robust emotions he has in the direction of Arsenal.
It was the reality when he spoke about being a fan of the membership as a child, one thing he says is behind the wild celebrations we see from him each time the group scores a objective.
However these emotions will solely go up to now and that’s the reason, till a brand new contract is signed, followers will probably be edgy about his long-term future – particularly with Actual Madrid ready within the wings.
Saliba confirmed to me once I requested that talks had not began but over a brand new deal. “There is no such thing as a rush,” he mentioned.
In a means, he’s proper. He was into the ultimate yr of his contract when he signed his final extension, in 2023. We’re removed from that now, so the necessity for an instantaneous signature is way much less urgent.
However Arsenal followers will probably be determined for issues to be sorted sooner relatively than later as a result of the longer any talks go on, the weaker the membership’s place will turn out to be.
Everyone knows how Actual Madrid function. Simply take a look at what’s taking place with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Liverpool proper now.
Madrid love a free switch and have proven earlier than that they’re keen to play the lengthy recreation for his or her massive targets if it means they’ll get them for nothing.
And dropping Saliba on a free can be disastrous for Arsenal. He’s the most effective younger centre-back on the earth. His worth is large. In order that merely can’t be allowed to occur.
We’ll have to attend and see how issues develop as soon as the membership’s new sporting director, Andrea Berta, is confirmed. Sorting the contracts of Saliba, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Magalhaes must be on the very high of his priorities checklist.
William Saliba feedback provide some encouragement to Arsenal followers
Saliba’s feedback on Tuesday have been definitely encouraging and it’s clear how robust his want is to win trophies at Arsenal.
“In the event you go away this membership with out profitable something, the followers will neglect about you,” he mentioned. “I need to win massive issues right here.”
These are the kind of statements that followers need to hear, however I don’t see issues being sorted rapidly. I can see issues dragging on a bit, as they did final time.
Saliba will maintain the playing cards going into talks, such is his stature within the recreation now and the extent of the golf equipment that may be inquisitive about luring him away.
So Arsenal should present that they’ll match his ambitions. The following 18 months will probably be completely essential to that.
