Arsenal will step up contract extension talks with William Saliba’s representatives next week, according to a report.

James Olley reports for ESPN that Arsenal are planning to step up talks with the representatives of William Saliba next week, as they attempt to tie him down to a new long-term deal.

ESPN claim Saliba rejected Arsenal’s last contract offer, with a significant difference between the player’s demands and the Gunners’ proposal.

But all sides remain willing to agree on an extension, and Arsenal are confident they’ll find that agreement.

Saliba’s agent is travelling to London next week for further negotiations, and it remains to be seen how those conversations go.

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

Discussing a potential new deal at the weekend, 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!”

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.