Arsenal Football Club is making headlines as they prepare to triple the wages of their promising defender, William Saliba.
According to a report by Mark Irwin of The Sun, the Gunners have offered Saliba a lucrative new deal worth £120,000 per week.
The 22-year-old French international is currently earning £40,000 per week, with his existing contract set to expire in a year.
Following a successful season under the guidance of manager Mikel Arteta, Arsenal has ambitious plans for the future.
The club has demonstrated a strong focus on nurturing young talent and identifying players who can contribute to their long-term success.
Among these prospects, Saliba has emerged as a key figure, alongside Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, with the manager intending to build a team around them.
In their pursuit of securing the future of key players, Arsenal has been proactive in contract negotiations.
They have successfully extended the deals of Aaron Ramsdale, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Gabriel Martinelli in the current season. Additionally, the recent signing of a new contract by Bukayo Saka has relieved fans of any concerns regarding the talented forward.
The club now aims to initiate discussions for new deals with Ben White and Martin Odegaard in the near future. However, the situation with Saliba remains a cause for concern.
After a three-year wait, the 22-year-old finally made his debut for Arsenal this season. Initially, Arteta opted to send Saliba out on loan to gain valuable experience, but the player has returned as a defensive stalwart for the Gunners.
Saliba’s absence in the latter stages of the season coincided with Arsenal’s decline in the title race, highlighting his importance to the team. Arteta views him as a crucial component of his future plans and has no intention of letting him go.
Despite Arsenal’s desire to reach an agreement with Saliba, progress has been slow. Reportedly, the player is dissatisfied with the club’s latest offer of £120,000 per week, which represents a significant wage increase from his current earnings.
Saliba likely looks at the wages earned by his teammates Saka and Martinelli and seeks parity with them. Negotiations are expected to continue throughout the summer as Arsenal aims to find common ground.
While the Gunners are determined to retain Saliba, they face the risk of losing him on a free transfer if an agreement cannot be reached.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has expressed interest in the defender, and they have the financial means to entice him to Paris.
Arsenal, however, remains hopeful of reaching a compromise, as they recognize Saliba’s importance to their plans and believe he has a bright future ahead.
As the saga unfolds, the football world will eagerly monitor the negotiations between Arsenal and Saliba, with both parties striving to secure an outcome that benefits their respective aspirations.
