Arsenal expect to reach an agreement with William Saliba over a new contract worth up to £200,000 a week, according to a report.

Arsenal's French defender William Saliba celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Europa League last 16 first leg football match between Sporting CP and Arsenal at Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon on March 9, 2023. (Photo by FILIPE AMORIM/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s French defender William Saliba celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Europa League last 16 first leg football match between Sporting CP and Arsenal at Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon on March 9, 2023. (Photo by FILIPE AMORIM/AFP via Getty Images)

In an interview with Chris Davison this week, football insider Team News and Ticks answered questions about William Saliba’s contract situation at Arsenal.

The Gunners activated Saliba’s contract option in December, extending his deal to 2024, but at the time they were reportedly not even close to an agreement on a longer-term contract.

But things appear to be moving in the right direction now. Sources at the club are reportedly not worried, and they believe Saliba will extend.

An agreement is seemingly close at around £190,000 to £200,000.

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LISBON, PORTUGAL: William Saliba of Arsenal FC thanks the supporters in the stands after the UEFA Europa League round of 16 first leg match between Sporting CP and Arsenal FC at Estadio Jose Alvalade on March 9, 2023. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
LISBON, PORTUGAL: William Saliba of Arsenal FC thanks the supporters in the stands after the UEFA Europa League round of 16 first leg match between Sporting CP and Arsenal FC at Estadio Jose Alvalade on March 9, 2023. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

On the reports that Saliba would be earning a similar amount to Bukayo Saka, Team News and Ticks reports that’s “half true”.

If Saliba signs a deal around the £190/200k mark, that will be a similar base wage to Saka’s. But Saka has various add-ons that could push his actual wages closer to £280k+, whilst Saliba wouldn’t have those same bonuses.

Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth and Kaya Kaynak of Football.London reported earlier this week that talks over a new Arsenal contract for Saliba are progressing positively, with willingness from all parties to strike a deal.

Arsenal's French defender William Saliba (C) celebrates after a shot from Arsenal's Italian midfielder Jorginho ends up in the net, rebounding off Aston Villa's Argentinian goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez for an own-goal during the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Arsenal at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on February 18, 2023. - Arsenal won the game 4-2. (Photo by GEOFF CADDICK/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s French defender William Saliba (C) celebrates after a shot from Arsenal’s Italian midfielder Jorginho ends up in the net, rebounding off Aston Villa’s Argentinian goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez on February 18, 2023. (Photo by GEOFF CADDICK/AFP via Getty Images)

Saliba’s importance was felt through his absence towards the end of the season, with Mikel Arteta having to scramble to adapt his Arsenal team following the centre-back’s injury.

The French international has made 33 appearances for Arsenal since joining the club, all of which were in 2022/23.

With Gabriel Magalhaes extending his contract earlier in the season, Gabriel Martinelli following suit, and Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale signing new deals at the end of the campaign, fans will hope Saliba is next on the list.

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