One aspect of William Saliba’s contract talks at Arsenal isn’t going to plan

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Arsenal want to have a big summer transfer window, but what is equally as important is retaining their current stars.

Indeed, Andrea Berta has a few contract situations to resolve at Arsenal.

Arsenal want to give Bukayo Saka a new deal, Leandro Trossard is in talks for a new contract, while Myles Lewis-Skelly needs fresh terms as well.

However, perhaps the most pressing situation at Arsenal is William Saliba’s contract.

Saliba is wanted by Real Madrid, and as he heads into the final two years of his deal, Arsenal need to sort something out on this front.

Speaking on the Highbury Squad YouTube channel, Sami Mokbel has been discussing Saliba’s contract situation, and he shared an interesting update.

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William Saliba’s contract talks not advancing as quickly as people would like

Mokbel gave an update on where Arsenal are in terms of negotiating with Saliba.

According to the journalist, there isn’t any negativity coming out of Arsenal around these talks, although, things aren’t quite going as quickly as the Gunners would like.

Saliba is the best defender in the world according to some, and Arsenal will want to get this sewn up quickly.

“It would take a major collapse now for that not to happen (Gabriel Magalhaes’ new contract). The club would then turn their attentions to sorting out his central defensive partner in William Saliba,” Mokbel said.

“I understand those talks are progressing, perhaps not as quickly as many would like, but I’m not getting negativity, but it is a process that may take longer than the others.”

William Saliba’s current contract breakdown

Arsenal want Saliba to sign a new deal in order to ward off interest from Real Madrid, and they need to get things sewn up quickly here.

Saliba’s current terms aren’t necessarily terrible, he earns a lot of money, but, when you’re being linked to the likes of Real Madrid, you need to be one of the highest earners in world football in your position.

Arsenal have had contract problems with star players in the past – Alexis Sanchez left the club due to a contract stand-off back in 2018, and Arsenal will hope to avoid a similar situation here.

As Mokbel says, there are some positive noises coming out of Arsenal, but time is of the essence here, as we saw with Trent Alexander-Arnold over the past 12 months, Madrid do have a knack of getting in a player’s head.