🚨 EXCL - What Saliba told me about his Arsenal future, why Odegaard is struggling, & latest midfielder links

The latest on William Saliba as Real Madrid wait in the wings...

(Photo by Stu Forster, Michael Regan, Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Encouragement over William Saliba’s Arsenal future

I was in Tuesday’s press conference when William Saliba was quizzed on his future and what was undeniable in his answers was the strong feelings he has towards Arsenal.

It was the truth when he spoke about being a fan of the club as a kid, something he says is behind the wild celebrations we see from him whenever the team scores a goal.

But those feelings will only go so far and that is why, until a new contract is signed, fans will be edgy about his long-term future - especially with Real Madrid waiting in the wings.

Saliba confirmed to me when I asked that talks had not started yet over a new deal. “There is no rush,” he said.

In a way, he is right. He was into the final year of his contract when he signed his last extension, in 2023. We are far from that now, so the need for an immediate signature is far less pressing.

But Arsenal fans will be desperate for things to be sorted sooner rather than later because the longer any talks go on, the weaker the club’s position will become.

We all know how Real Madrid operate. Just look at what’s happening with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Liverpool right now.

Madrid love a free transfer and have shown before that they are willing to play the long game for their big targets if it means they can get them for nothing.