Mikel Arteta has given the latest on William Saliba’s contract situation, with the defender currently sidelined through injury.

William 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.

Arsenal fans are keen to see the French international back out there as soon as possible. But as well as the concerns around his fitness, supporters are now also getting antsy about Saliba’s contract situation.

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

Arsenal are in negotiations to try and convince the young defender to extend, but without success so far.

Arteta discussed the situation in his latest press conference, responding to a question about whether he had an update to give on the talks.

“No,” Arteta said. “We want to keep our best talent. Especially the players that deserve some recognition.

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

It took a few loans to get the 22-year-old to a position where Arteta felt comfortable throwing him in, but the plan all seemed to come together in an impressive 2022/23 campaign.

It looks like that season has faltered at the end, with Saliba missing the last seven games and likely to miss more in the coming weeks.

A contract extension would give him plenty more chances to win trophies with the Gunners.