Mikel Arteta opens up on William Saliba sale fears as contract update awaits...

Mikel Arteta has admitted that timing will be key when it comes to negotiations over William Saliba's Arsenal contract.

The Frenchman has enjoyed a sublime debut season in north London after three spells out on loan. He had started every game for Arsenal in the Premier League until suffering a back injury in March, and the Gunners' title charge has faltered since then in his absence.

Despite his undoubted importance Arsenal are still yet to secure Saliba's long-term future. Talks have been ongoing to offer the 22-year-old a new contract since before the World Cup, but as things stand no agreement is in place. He will have just 12 months remaining on his current deal in the summer, and although Arteta was unable to provide any update on the progress of the negotiations he was keen to express his desire to keep ahold of the young defender. 

"We want to keep our best talent," the Spaniard told reporters ahead of his side's clash with Newcastle this Sunday. "Especially the players that deserve some recognition. 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."

Saliba is one of several young stars who Arsenal would like to tie down to fresh terms. Gabriel Martinelli has already signed a long-term extension this season, while football.londonunderstands that talks over Bukayo Saka's contract have progressed positively and that a deal should be done soon.

When it comes to Saliba though, there is still no news at present creating some fears that Arsenal could lose him for a reduced fee. Despite that though, Arteta went on to reveal that he has full confidence in Arsenal's technical director Edu when it comes to reaching an agreement with the France international.

"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," he said. "The communication and the relationship is super. It is about timing, I think. Nothing else."