Mikel Arteta hails William Saliba’s impact as new Arsenal deal looms
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Arsenal's William Saliba taking on Manchester City's Erling Haaland during a Premier League game at the Emirates Stadium on Sept 21.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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LONDON – Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised William Saliba’s consistency and maturity, with the defender understood to be close to extending his contract at the Emirates.
The Frenchman, whose current deal expires in 2027, is expected to sign a new five-year deal with the Gunners despite interest from Real Madrid.
“Hopefully it will be everybody in the world, Arsenal included, (reporting it) very soon and that’s what I’m hoping,” said Arteta ahead of his team’s Premier League trip to Newcastle United on Sept 28.
Saliba joined the Gunners in 2019 but had a number of loan spells before establishing himself as a regular in the Spaniard’s team during the 2022-23 season.
Since then, the 24-year-old France international has been at the heart of an Arsenal side who have finished second in each of the past three seasons in the Premier League.
Alongside Gabriel Magalhaes, Saliba has formed arguably the best centre-back partnership in European football as Arsenal have once again become contenders for major titles.
“He’s been instrumental in everything we’ve done in the last few years,” added Arteta.
“It’s great to see a lot of players willing and so driven to come into the club. That means that they are happy, they feel valued, and they see that this is the best opportunity for them to continue their careers and fulfil the ambition of the club.
“It’s very impressive what he’s done at his age... His consistency, the way he’s progressed, the way he’s matured as well as a person and his role in the team has grown year after year. He’s been pivotal to that.”
If Arsenal are to end their run as nearly men in the title race, they can ill afford to drop more points at St James’ Park. They have lost on their past three visits to Newcastle and Arteta is aware of the need to buck that trend.
“To play (there) it’s such a challenge and opportunity as well so it’s a great game to play,” he said.
“We know the test, we know that we’re going to have to be much more efficient than we’ve been lately when we played up there to win the game.”
Arteta could have captain Martin Odegaard back after a shoulder problem but new signing Noni Madueke may be out of action for up to two months after suffering a knee injury.
In the Newcastle camp, manager Eddie Howe said that Anthony Gordon’s return from suspension will be a huge boost as his side seek their second victory in the Premier League this season.
Gordon was sent off for a rash tackle in the 3-2 defeat by Liverpool
He returned to action in Newcastle’s midweek 4-1 victory over Bradford City in the League Cup.
Newcastle have struggled without Gordon’s creativity, scoring just one goal in their last three Premier League matches. Their attacking woes have been worsened by new striker Yoane Wissa’s knee injury absence.
“It is a big boost for us to have him back fully. He can really focus on the few games we have ahead of the next international break,” Howe said.
“I thought he was excellent against Bradford. He is a player that rises to the occasion, and we are going to need everyone to do that on Sunday.” AFP, REUTERS
