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.
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What's the latest news involving Saliba?
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.
What has Ryan Taylor said about Saliba?
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 down to a new contract.
"I think he's only got two years left now and it's clear there's interest in him from elsewhere, not only Marseille - a club that he spent time on loan at - but Barcelona as well."
Why are Arsenal looking to give Saliba a new contract?
Having signed for Arsenal after a £27million deal had been struck with Saint-Etienne in 2019, Saliba made his long-awaited debut earlier this month.
He did not disappoint as he played a key role in the Gunners keeping an opening day clean sheet at Crystal Palace and his performance was described as 'superb' by Arteta.
Although Saliba had initially found opportunities hard to come by in north London, he has impressed during loan spells and boasts five international caps for France, emphasising that he has a bright future ahead of him.