Arsenal defender William Saliba can put himself in the ‘shop window’ with some impressive displays at the World Cup, according to journalist Paul Brown.

The 21-year-old has been in outstanding form for the Gunners throughout this season, but his long-term future remains up in the air due to his ongoing contract situation.

What is the latest news involving Saliba?

Saliba’s current £36,000-per-week deal is due to expire in 18 months’ time, sparking speculation over where he is going to be plying his trade in the long-term.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that negotiations are underway with the highly-rated centre-back, though, stating that Arsenal are ‘really optimistic’ about reaching an agreement with him.

“Speaking about contracts, I can tell you that for William Saliba that there is a proposal on the table and Saliba is really considering this proposal,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.

“There are conversations ongoing, Arsenal are really optimistic, but a decision is to go really strong on these new contract talks in the next weeks and months.”

Saliba has been called up to France’s World Cup squad by manager Didier Deschamps, and if he can perform on the biggest stage of all, then several clubs may well rival Arsenal for his signature.

What has Brown said about Saliba?

Arsenal have already tied down Gabriel Magalhães to fresh terms this season, and Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Saliba are believed to be next on their priority list.

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

Yet Brown has informed GiveMeSport that the upcoming showpiece event in Qatar could possibly be a ‘little cloud on the horizon’ in their hopes of tying Saliba down.

He said: “He's in the France World Cup squad. So, he has the potential of going to the World Cup and putting himself in the shop window, potentially, which is the one little cloud on the horizon.”

How good has Saliba been playing?

Saliba has registered two goals and one assist in 17 appearances across all competitions for Arsenal throughout 2022/23 while putting up some impressive underlying numbers.

As per WhoScored, the £27 million acquisition has won 1.4 aerial duels, made 2.7 clearances, 0.4 blocks and 2.6 long balls on average per Premier League outing, placing him in the top three for each metric amongst his teammates.

Saliba has played a pivotal part in Arsenal opening up a five-point gap at the top of the table, and they will surely be hoping he puts pen to paper on a new contract sooner rather than later.