William Saliba has insisted he’s happy at Arsenal, and he and his agent are in talks over a potential contract extension with the club.

Arsenal's French defender William Saliba (R) and Arsenal's English midfielder Bukayo Saka (L) celebrate their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Arsenal at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on December 31, 2022. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s French defender William Saliba (R) and Arsenal’s English midfielder Bukayo Saka (L) celebrate their second goal during the Premier League match in Brighton on December 31, 2022. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

William Saliba started in another derby-day victory over Tottenham Hotspur with Arsenal on Sunday, helping the Gunners to pull even further ahead at the top of the Premier League table.

But whilst things are going so well on the pitch, off the pitch Saliba is one of a few key players in talks to resolve his future.

The centre-back’s contract expires in 2024, even after Arsenal recently took up their option to extend it.

Discussing a potential new deal, Saliba confirmed he and his agent are in talks with Arsenal and he’s happy at the club.

“I am so happy here,” Saliba said. “The club is speaking with my agent and me, the only thing I can do is [focus on my football]. I am so happy here.”

When asked if wins like the 2-0 against Spurs, to go eight points clear at the top of the Premier League, could help to make up his mind, Saliba responded: “Yeah, of course!”

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 06: William Saliba celebrates after Gabriel of Arsenal (not pictured) scored their sides first goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC at Stamford Bridge on November 06, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: William Saliba celebrates after Gabriel of Arsenal (not pictured) scored their side’s first goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC at Stamford Bridge on November 06, 2022. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

The Athletic recently reported that one of the reasons that Saliba’s contract remains unsigned is that Arsenal are not offering a wage that his representatives feel is fair considering the length of time they want him to time him down for.

The longer the contract, the more Saliba’s camp will want, as they’ll feel that they could have renegotiated a higher wage in a couple of seasons had he been on a shorter deal.

The positive angle on that is it means Arsenal are trying to get Saliba tied down for as long as possible.

The hope is that eventually they’ll reach a financial compromise and the player can prepare for an extended stay in north London.