Mikel Arteta declared he "hopes" William Saliba's contract negotiations progress well when quizzed on the future of the Arsenal star.
The Frenchman has made himself a regular in the starting XI after several loan spells away from the Emirates. His performances at the heart of defence have been key for the Gunners, who sit top of the Premier League, but they will be conscious of the contact situations surrounding some of their major names.
Saliba's contract will enter its final 12 months in the summer, with the 24-year-old pocketing around £40,000-a-week. His wages are set to skyrocket and Emirates chief Edu is leading talks with the player, leaving Arsenal hopeful of a solution sooner rather than later.
Arteta said when quizzed on Saliba's future: "That’s more to Edu and the board to be discussing with him. What I know is that the player is really happy, the player wants to be here and that’s the main thing. We have a few of those that we are willing to extend the contract.
"Willy is one of them. I think he’s shown in the months that he’s been with us the quality and the personality he has to play at the level that we want. We are trying to do that because we know he can be a really important part of our plans."
Saliba has started in all 15 of Arsenal's league games this season, with the north Londoners recording the second-best defensive record in the top flight. Arteta has underlined his role going forward, adding: "He’s (Saliba is) now one of the best defenders in the Premier League, that’s for sure. He is the future of Arsenal Football Club, but also of the French national team."
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The centre-half has recently admitted north London feels like "home" and he "likes" being in the English capital, which will offer hope to Arsenal as they look to tie him down long-term.
Gabriel Martinelli is another young player the club want to retain such has been his rapid rise. Signed as an unknown quantity in 2019, the Brazilian is a regular in the starting XI. Arsenal are ready to make the forward one of their top earners as they edge towards an agreement.
The player is poised to pocket £200,000-a-week having informed his representatives that he wants to remain at the Emirates amid growing interest from sides in Europe. Last week, it was understood that negotiations were at an advanced stage as Arsenal look to keep hold of their future stars.
Martinelli scored for the north Londoners on Boxing Day as they came from behind to see off West Ham, which consolidated top spot. Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah also got on the scoresheet.
