Arsenal and William Saliba are optimistic about a new deal being signed, Fabrizio Romano has told GiveMeSport.

The Italian journalist says discussions over a contract extension are ongoing as the Gunners look to retain the central defender.

Arsenal contract news - William Saliba

Saliba recently confirmed that he is in talks with Arsenal about signing fresh terms.

"I am so happy here,” the 21-year-old was quoted as saying by The Athletic. "The club is speaking with my agent and me, the only thing I can do is [focus on my football]. I am so happy here."

Saliba's existing deal runs until 2024 after Arsenal took up the option to extend it by another 12 months.

According to the CIES Football Observatory, the Frenchman's transfer value is around £78m.

Gabriel Jesus GMS shop

Gabriel Jesus GMS shop

What has Fabrizio Romano said about William Saliba and Arsenal?

Romano says Saliba and Arsenal are optimistic about him extending his stay at the Emirates.

Speaking to GMS, the transfer expert said: "From what I'm told, Arsenal and Saliba's side are both very optimistic about continuing together, so there are conversations ongoing."

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Why do Arsenal want William Saliba to sign a new contract?

As already mentioned, his current deal expires next year and he has been one of Arsenal's best players this season. The France international is not the kind of individual Mikel Arteta will want to lose.

He put in a solid display in the Gunners' north London derby win against Tottenham last Sunday, earning a 7.0 match rating on WhoScored.

That day, he was quick to get rid of danger, making five clearances in his side's 2-0 victory. Only his centre-back partner Gabriel (six) and Ben White (eight) managed to record more, according to the football website.

Described as a "phenomenal athlete" by the Evening Standard's Simon Collings, it is not hard to see why Arsenal want to tie Saliba down to a longer contract.

From the player's perspective, you would imagine that he also wants a new deal to be sorted. The Gunners are flying under Arteta right now, leading the title race ahead of current champions Manchester City.

With the club competing for silverware and almost certain to be in the Champions League next season, there is not really a reason for Saliba to start thinking about a move elsewhere. When you consider all of that, it is surely only a matter of time before he puts pen to paper on fresh terms.

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