%20rotate(-8.06)%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22336.19%20136.81%20330.16%2094.25%20326.06%2071.19%20326.44%2071.13%20335.22%2093.54%20352.29%20134.52%20373.95%20131.46%20362.7%2052.01%20350.02%2053.8%20356.05%2096.36%20360.15%20119.42%20359.77%20119.48%20350.99%2097.08%20333.91%2056.09%20312.25%2059.15%20323.51%20138.6%20336.19%20136.81%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22402.91%2059.3%20412.36%20126.02%20427.17%20123.92%20417.72%2057.21%20431.59%2055.24%20429.79%2042.51%20387.23%2048.53%20389.04%2061.27%20402.91%2059.3%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22463.51%20118.77%20458.69%2084.71%20474.68%2082.44%20479.51%20116.5%20494.36%20114.4%20483.11%2034.95%20468.26%2037.06%20472.96%2070.25%20456.96%2072.52%20452.26%2039.32%20437.4%2041.43%20448.65%20120.88%20463.51%20118.77%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22540.5%20107.87%20538.77%2095.68%20518.91%2098.49%20515.77%2076.29%20535.63%2073.47%20533.93%2061.5%20514.07%2064.32%20511.11%2043.42%20530.98%2040.61%20529.25%2028.42%20494.53%2033.34%20505.78%20112.78%20540.5%20107.87%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22299.03%20155.17%20301.29%20171.58%20542.78%20138.39%20540.5%20121.97%20299.03%20155.17%22%2F%3E%0A%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
Arsenal have opened talks with William Saliba over a new contract, according to a report by the Athletic's David Ornstein.
Rumours arose last week regarding the Frenchman's future and with European giants Real Madrid holding a significant interest in him, the Gunners have had to act quickly if they want to keep hold of their key defender.
Saliba's current deal is set to expire in 2027 and that, along with the interest in their star man, has brought about a sense of urgency for Arsenal. New club sporting director Andrea Berta is said to have begun discussions with the player's camp in an attempt to keep him tied down to the club.
Arsenal open talks with William Saliba over new contract
🚨 Arsenal have opened talks over new contract for William Saliba. No offer yet but expected soon as dialogue ramps up between Andrea Berta & 24yo’s camp. France defender happy at #AFC but will want terms reflecting status amid #RMFC pursuit @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/VS6Duio9xz
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) May 9, 2025
Arsenal are yet to make an official offer to Saliba, but that will come in due course as discussions progress closer to an agreement, Ornstein reported.
The transfer specialist reassured fans that Saliba is content in north London, but is likely to seek a deal that reflects his status as one of the best centre backs in the world.
The Frenchman said in March that he was happy and wanted to win trophies at Arsenal. He acknowledged the rumours of a new contract and that talks had not yet begun at that point. He last put pen to paper with the club in 2023 but with his current deal set to expire in 2027, talks have now been kickstarted.
With big clubs such as Real Madrid interested, tying Saliba down to a new contract has now become a priority for the Gunners along with bringing a striker to the club and Bukayo Saka penning an extended deal.
The Gunners can't afford to lose Saliba given how crucial he is to the team and need to ensure he does not leave the club this summer. The defender signing an improved deal is a must for Mikel Arteta's side in order to dissuade any interest in a potential departure.