Arsenal are confident they can agree on a contract extension with William Saliba, joining a number of other players to commit their future this season.

Football.London report that there’s confidence that a deal for William Saliba can be agreed, with Mikel Arteta keen to keep the defender at the club.

Speaking last week, Arteta admitted there wasn’t a significant update to give on the talks, but he believes it’s just about the timing of an extension now.

“We want to keep our best talent. Especially the players that deserve some recognition,” Arteta said.

“I think he has been incredible since he came back from his loan period and we want to reward him, that is for sure. We will find the right moment to do that.

“Obviously Edu and the board are on top of every negotiation regarding new contracts and now we are doing everything we possibly can to do that in the right moment at the right time.

“The communication and the relationship is super. It is about timing, I think. Nothing else.”

Saliba’s importance has lately been felt through his absence, with Mikel Arteta having to scramble to adapt his Arsenal team following the centre-back’s injury.

As it stands, Saliba’s deal expires in 2024, giving him just a year left on his contract from this summer.

The French international has made 33 appearances for Arsenal since joining the club, all of which were this season.

With Gabriel Magalhaes extending his contract earlier in the season, Gabriel Martinelli following suit, and talk of imminent announcements for Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale as well, the fans will hope Saliba is next on the list.