Fans Speculate Over New Contract For Young Arsenal Defender

Rumours on social media have suggested that William Saliba will sign a new contract at Arsenal.

On Monday, all Arsenal players returned to the club for training.

Those returning included Saliba, who had spent the season on loan at Marseille.

The defender's future has been uncertain, with many not convinced he would return to North London after relations with Mikel Arteta appeared to be broken.

However, both Arteta and Saliba have recently spoken of their desire for the 21-year-old's future to remain at Arsenal.

Upon Saliba's return to London Colney on Monday, Arsenal fans waited at the entrance to try to catch a glimpse of the Frenchman.

Twitter user @Precbrown95 caught Saliba, who signed her shirt.

The signature featured a number two at the bottom, leading to speculation of a number change for Saliba at Arsenal.

The defender was given the number four when he joined the club in 2019, but this was taken away when Ben White arrived in 2021 and Saliba was on loan.

The number two is currently worn by Hector Bellerin, but the defender is expected to leave this summer.

New squad numbers can often be accompanied by new contracts, leading to speculation of a new deal for Saliba.

This speculation was only fuelled when Djibril Niang, Saliba's agent, posted pictures on his Instagram account of Arsenal's London Colney room, famous for contracts being signed.

A camera crew were also spotted outside the training ground, furthering the excitement.

Arsenal fans are often renowned for the, sometimes ridiculous, lengths they will go to investigate possible news about their club and this time was no different.

Saliba signing a new contract would undoubtedly be a huge success for the club.

The defender has two years remaining on his current deal and this summer a decision needs to be made to prevent a loss of value next summer.

Gabriel and Ben White seemed to create a formidable partnership at the back for Arsenal last season and Saliba will have to fight for his position.

However, if the rumours do prove to be true, Saliba's willingness to compete with his teammates is clear.

The 21-year-old has an extremely bright future and all Arsenal fans will hope that is at Arsenal.