Arsenal may face William Saliba fight after ‘three major clubs made enquiries’ over defender

Arsenal may face a fight to keep defender William Saliba this summer after three mystery ‘major’ clubs made enquiries, according to reports.

As it stands, the centre back’s contract is set to run down at the end of next season, although boss Mikel Arteta is understood to be keen to hand him an extension.

As reported by Mail Sport earlier this month, Arteta is confident Saliba will put pen to paper on fresh terms, but only when the time is right. Talks have been held with the highly-rated 24-year-old’s representatives since before the World Cup break.

But with no breakthrough made yet, speculation is beginning to build over his future.

And now, RMC Sport have claimed that three clubs have expressed their interest.

Three unnamed clubs have made enquiries for Arsenal’s William Saliba, according to reports

Saliba impressed for the club this season, with his injury coinciding with their drop-off in form

Mikel Arteta has openly admitted he is keen to hand the centre back an improved contract

Saliba had been an integral part of Arteta’s title challengers this season, having impressed individually and helped the side earn 11 Premier League clean sheets.

After sustaining a back injury during the Europa League last-16 defeat to Sporting Lisbon, though, the stalwart was ruled out for the rest of the campaign. 

To reward him for his strong year, Arteta has approved plans to offer him a deal. 

His influence at the club is clear to see. Since Saliba suffered the fracture that has sidelined him for a number of months, Arsenal’s eight-point lead at the top has been chased down by Manchester City, who are on the cusp of defending their crown. 

Indeed, Arsenal have managed just one shutout in the nine games since Saliba’s injury, with draws to Liverpool, West Ham and Southampton proving costly.

In his absence, Arteta’s men were also soundly beaten at home by Brighton, all but ensuring their surprise charge for the trophy this season collapsed at the death.

Saliba sustained a back fracture during the Europa League last-16 defeat to Sporting Lisbon

Arteta believes rewarding Saliba with a new deal is simply a question of timing and not money

On the prospect of Saliba’s fresh terms, Arteta said: ‘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. Nothing else.’ 

Notably, Saliba has not signed an improved deal since joining the club in 2019.  

‘We want to keep our best talent. Especially the players that deserve some recognition,’ Arteta added. ‘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.’