Arsenal moved back to the top of the Premier League with a 5-0 win against Nottingham Forest as the attack received plenty of plaudits following the result.
Goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Reiss Nelson (2), Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard caught the headlines, but it was the Gunners' defensive performance that allowed the attack to flourish. William Saliba impressed once again on a relatively quiet afternoon for the Frenchman as Arsenal kept their eighth clean sheet in 17 games across all competitions.
The improvement in defence has been helped by Saliba's return after the 21-year-old returned from a successful loan spell with Marseille last term, winning the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Season award. Saliba was signed from Saint-Etienne for a fee of £27million back in 2019. He has spent the last three seasons out on loan and is now able to show his ability at the Emirates Stadium.
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Even before he became a key player for Arteta this season, there was a desire from the Arsenal hierarchy to extend Saliba's contract, which is set to expire next year, though the Gunners have the option to extend his deal by a further 12 months. The France international recently addressed his future in which he revealed there had been 'a little bit' of talks, referencing early discussions between the club and his representatives over a new deal.
According to The Athletic, those early talks have since turned into formal negotiations, and Arsenal have now made an offer. There is no agreement so far, but the dialogue will continue as the north London side try to tie down a player who appears fundamental to Arteta's team and has many admirers across Europe.
Gabriel Magalhaes recently secured a new long-term contract which will see the Brazilian remain at the Emirates Stadium until 2027. Technical director Edu Gaspar is also the subject of contract talks as he looks to secure the futures of Saliba, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli as well.
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