Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta did not speak to William Saliba in the first week of the pre-season. However, he wanted to see how Saliba would react to it.
Arteta has also said that Saliba won him over in the pre-season matches. Hence, he made the decision to keep him in the team for this season.
ARSENAL MANAGER DID NOT SPEAK TO WILLIAM SALIBA IN HIS FIRST WEEK
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that he did not speak with William Saliba in the first week of the pre-season tour. However, he has said that he did it because of a plan. He wanted to see how the French defender would react to the snub. However, Mikel Arteta said Saliba started impressing in the second week itself.
Mikel Arteta further speaking on his experience with Saliba further said,” ‘For the first week I didn’t speak to him. I just wanted to see – naturally, without me really interfering in his thoughts – how he was. “Because then you can understand the real him and after that I spoke to him. ‘He had an immediate impact… the first two training sessions that we looked at him and thought: “There’s huge potential here”.
THE GUNNERS WANT TO GET HIS CONTRACT SORTEDOUT QUICKLY
According to reports, Arsenal are in advanced negotiations to extend the contract of William Saliba. The contract of the French defender ends in 2024. Hence, they need extend his contract quickly to avoid losing him on a low transfer fee. A report also claims that PSG are also monitoring his situation. However, the defender is happy with his future at the Gunners.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also said that Arsenal are in talks to extend his contract. However, talks are not advanced. This is because the Gunners are focusing on extending the contract of Bukayo Saka. Whereas, the focus is also to win the Premier League this season. The player is also focused on helping team play win trophies this season.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has also said that they are ready to handout contracts to the players that deserve. Hence, it looks like the Gunners are setting their team for the present and future. Therefore, Arteta would like to have some young players for the next season.
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