William Saliba insists he ‘loves’ playing for Arsenal but is in no rush to begin talks over signing a potential new contract.
The France international has enjoyed another reputation enhancing season at the heart of the Gunners’ defence which has underpinned a campaign that could yet end in Champions League glory.
Like his central defensive partner, Gabriel Magalhaes, Saliba’s deal expires in 2027 and with no talks currently scheduled, Real Madrid have been linked with a move for the 23-year-old.
The prospect of losing their talismanic centre-half for nothing in two years’ time is something Arsenal must guard against and incoming sporting director Andrea Berta will surely treat the former Saint-Etienne defender’s situation as a priority once he begins his new role officially.
Saliba was asked about his future ahead of tomorrow night’s Champions League last 16 second leg tie against PSV and said: ‘I am really happy here.
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‘I want to continue here. Not yet [talks over a new deal], there is no rush. I am happy here. That’s it.’
With Arsenal virtually guaranteed a place in the quarter finals having thrashed their Dutch opponents 7-1 away from home a week ago, it remains to be seen whether or not Saliba will be granted a rest on Wednesday night.
Asked if he could look to hand a chance to youngsters including the likes of Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, Mikel Arteta said: ‘We did that once when we could, and it’s always great because they’ve been extremely helpful, and bringing so much to the team.
‘So, whenever you have the opportunity to any player to say thank you or to give minutes, which in the end is the way of telling them that we trust you and we appreciate what you do for us, we will do.’
Ben White, meanwhile, could be in line for his first start since undergoing knee surgery back in November.
While Jurrien Timber has impressed in White’s absence, Arsenal have certainly missed the versatile defender who has been a mainstay of Arteta’s Arsenal in recent years.
‘That connection that we had on the right side with him, Bukayo and Martin was something exceptional and a real threat in the team, we missed that,’ admitted Arteta.
‘It’s true that Jurrien has been equally exceptional as well with his performance and consistent. Now we’re going to have another option, which is great to have.’
On whether White is ready to start, the Arsenal manager added: ‘I think we have to manage him very well because he was still having some issues to manage in terms of the load.
‘We’re very cautious of that to make sure that when he comes back he can now maintain that level and there’s no more setbacks, but I think he’s in a good position now to give him a start.’