Arsenal are pushing to tie William Saliba down to a long-term deal after there were "major differences" in their initial talks.
The Frenchman, who was signed during the Unai Emery era, has established himself at the heart of the defence after several loan spells away. Saliba's performances have helped the Gunners build a healthy lead at the top of the Premier League, but several sides are alert to his contract situation.
Arsenal recently triggered an extension option in Saliba's contract, which keeps him at the club until 2024, but they are looking to keep him well beyond that. France international Saliba has been hugely impressive this term, becoming a mainstay at the heart of the Gunners defence, but he remains on the deal he signed when joining the club from Saint-Etienne in 2019, with his pay no longer reflecting his importance to Mikel Arteta's Premier League leaders.
ESPN understands that the latest offer was rejected due to major differences between the club's proposal and the player's demands.
Talks have been underway for some time now about an improved deal, but according to ESPN, the club's latest proposal was rejected due to major differences between the club's proposal and the demands of his representatives.
Negotiations are ongoing however, with Saliba's agent due in London next week as they seek to break the impasse and sort out the 21 year-old's long-term future.
He recently underlined his affection for the north Londoners: "I am so happy here. The club is speaking with my agent and me, the only thing I can do is [focus on my football]. I am so happy here."
Saliba has started in all 18 of Arsenal's league games this term, helping them forge one of the most impressive defences in the league. He ensured the Gunners maintained local bragging rights on Sunday as the club beat Tottenham on the road, keeping a clean sheet in the process.
Having initially made his name at Saint Etienne, he has since spent time on loan at Nice and Marseille, winning the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year Award in 2021-22, while on loan with the latter, having struggled to prove to Arteta he was initially ready for the Premier League, following the Spaniard's appointment.
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Arsenal are also focusing on tying down Bukayo Saka to a new deal.
The winger scored the opener in the north London derby at the weekend and has become a key figure having come through the club's academy. He has 18 months to run on his current contract and is seeking a major pay bump.
Earlier this season Arteta said: " We have to plan for the future. We are all working on it, obviously Edu and all the board is on top of it and we will try to do things in the right way, being fair and trying to plan the best possible way to reward the players that, in our opinion, have a big future for the club.
"When we have something to announce, we will do that."
