I used to be in Tuesday’s press convention when William Saliba was quizzed on his future and what was plain in his solutions was the sturdy emotions he has in 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 every time the group scores a aim.
However these emotions will solely go thus far 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.
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Saliba confirmed to me after I requested that talks had not began but over a brand new deal. “There isn’t a rush,” he mentioned.
In a method, he’s proper. He was into the ultimate 12 months 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 much much less urgent.
However Arsenal followers will probably be determined for issues to be sorted sooner somewhat 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 large targets if it means they will get them for nothing.
And shedding Saliba on a free can be disastrous for Arsenal. He’s the very best younger centre-back on the planet. 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 sturdy his want is to win trophies at Arsenal.
“When you go away this membership with out profitable something, the followers will overlook about you,” he mentioned. “I need to win large issues right here.”
These are the type of statements that followers need to hear, however I don’t see issues being sorted shortly. 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 will be eager about luring him away.
So Arsenal must present that they will match his ambitions. The following 18 months will probably be completely essential to that.