Arteta admits he was shocked when he spoke to £27m Arsenal player

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted he was shocked when he spoke to William Saliba this summer.

Arteta admitted he ‘doesn’t know’ if it will take more work to tie Saliba down to a new deal compated to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

However, Arteta says he was shocked, but ‘impressed’ speaking to Saliba before the season started.

“I was really impressed and at the same time surprised when I spoke to him (Saliba).” Arteta said.

“Obviously the way the relationship started and he went on loan, and he came back, and he went again.

“If that was a bit of damage there, because obviously he had certain expectations and something happened.

“Again he was so committed and so focused just to play for Arsenal that I think it took all of us by a little bit of surprise.

“So, if I look at how he talks about the club and how much he wants to be here, I have no doubts that he wants to continue to be here.”

Arteta shocked speaking to Saliba

Saliba and Arsenal have both massively benefitted from having patience after his £27m move in 2019.

Three years and three loan spells later, Saliba has finally made his mark at The Emirates.

His teammates have been singing his praise since his debut in August against Crystal Palace.

Centre-back partner Gabriel Magalhaes believes Saliba has a ‘brilliant future ahead of him’.

Aaron Ramsdale has suggested that some of Saliba’s teammates are ‘digging him out’ of mistakes he’s made.

However, he described the young defender as a ‘Rolls-Royce’, and ‘never seems phased’.

Arteta will be hoping for some positive news on Saliba’s contract soon.

If the young defender extends his stay at the Emirates, it would be one of the best bits of business Arsenal have done this season.

Arteta will be hoping he doesn’t have to have any more awkward conversations with Saliba in the future.