William Saliba drops telling two-word update on Arsenal contract talks

William Saliba says he will sign a contract extension with Arsenal "hopefully soon" following speculation that the club want to tie him down to a new deal soon.

The Gunners have been busy in the transfer market ahead of the new Premier League season after finishing second for a third successive campaign. Deals for Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera were all wrapped up last week as Mikel Arteta's men headed off for their pre-season tour.

And Arsenal followed their strong early business up by finalising a deal for Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon over the weekend.

Contract talks have also been on the club's agenda this summer and there has been noise over potential talks with Saliba, who has been heavily linked with Real Madrid in recent months.

The France international, 24, was asked when he was signing a new Gunners contract after Sunday's 3-2 win over Newcastle in Singapore by AFTV - and he replied positively.

"Hopefully soon," Saliba said before crossing his fingers and pointing to the sky, adding: "God is great."

Saliba committing his future to the club long-term would be a major boost for Arsenal. The former Saint-Etienne man has struck up a formidable partnership with Gabriel at the heart of Arsenal's defence and his current terms expire in 2027.

His imperious performances for Arsenal over the past few years has seen him emerge as a target for Real Madrid, who are thought to be keen on signing Saliba next year when the Frenchman will have just 12 months left on his deal. Arsenal, though, remain determined to keep hold of one of their top stars for the foreseeable future.

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Speaking earlier this year, Saliba declared he was "really happy" at Arsenal in the wake of transfer speculation. "I’ve been here for two years and a half as well. There is nothing. I’m happy here and I want to continue here," he said.

"I want to win big things with Arsenal. If you leave this club without winning anything the fans will forget about you. I want to win big things here.

"I want to be one day the best defender in the world. I know I have to work a lot and to win trophies as well – but that’s my dream."

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