Arsenal 'actively keen' on agreement with £27m star at the Emirates

Arsenal are ‘keen’ for William Saliba to commit his long-term future to the club by signing a new contract at the Emirates Stadium, according to Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor.

The Gunners have been active in the transfer market, with them spending close to £120million on reinforcements, but boss Mikel Arteta has turned his attentions towards ensuring Saliba will not head out of the exit door.

Saliba has made an impressive start to the new campaign and made one of the centre-back slots his own having returned to Arsenal.

The 21-year-old is back in north London after spending last season on loan with Marseille, while he also enjoyed a previous spell at Nice due to failing to break into Arteta’s plans.

Marseille have been eager to seal Saliba’s return to the Stade Velodrome on a permanent basis, with French media outlet RMC suggesting the Ligue 1 giants are willing to spend up to £25.4million, but a deal has not been reached.

Barcelona have also been tracking the Frenchman ahead of the transfer window slamming shut, meaning Saliba is in-demand.

Although his £40,000-per-week Emirates Stadium contract is due to expire in the summer of 2024, Arsenal are reportedly ready to hand Saliba a new deal.

Taylor understands that Arsenal are looking to agree fresh terms with Saliba after making himself a key part of Arteta’s side during the early stages of the season.

The journalist believes the Gunners are desperate to fend off interest from Marseille and Barcelona ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline.

When asked whether he feels Arsenal want to negotiate an improved deal with Saliba, Taylor told GIVEMESPORT: “I do, yes. There’s been mixed reports on this but, from what I understand, Arsenal are actively keen to tie him