WILLIAM SALIBA will reportedly be rewarded with a new long-term contract at Arsenal following his impressive loan spell at Marseille.
The 20-year-old, who joined the Gunners from Saint-Etienne in 2019 for £27million, is tied down at the Emirates until 2024.
Saliba is yet to feature for the North London outfit, with the Frenchman currently on his third loan spell away from the club.
His future in England has been in question, with Real Madrid claimed to be eyeing up a move for the centre-back in the summer.
But Arsenal are understood to be desperate to keep hold of the youngster with Mikel Arteta looking to integrate him back into his team.
And according to French news outlet ButFootball, Arsenal are set to open contract talks with Saliba about extending his stay.
It has been stated that Arteta has been left convinced that the defender has a part to play in his side after starring at Marseille.
Though the report adds that should the club and player fail to agree terms over a new deal, Arsenal would consider selling Saliba.
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Along with Real, Inter Milan, AC Milan and Sevilla could look to snap the ex-Nice loanee up on a permanent deal.
Saliba has started 24 out of Marseille's 25 Ligue 1 games this term, helping the Stade Velodrome side reach third in the table.
Arteta refused to play Saliba last season, instead letting him play for the Under-23s after believing he was not ready for the Premier League.
And Saliba has declared that playing for the reserves gave him a 'good slap'.
He told RMC: “Before going to Arsenal, I said to myself I was going to play, I was sure, I was wondering who I would play alongside.
“I arrive, I play zero matches. I played for the U23s. That gave me a good slap.
“Things go so fast in football. I don't want to think about the future. I am going to give my all. Then there will be discussions in summer.”
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