Arsenal complete first piece of January business for 'different class' star, Arteta will be delighted

Arsenal have completed an important piece of business ahead of the January transfer window opening by triggering a 12-month extension on William Saliba's contract.

The news will come as a huge relief to Gunners fans and boss Mikel Arteta, with the Frenchman's existing deal having been set to expire in the summer.

In that scenario, European clubs could have spoken to Saliba, described as 'different class' by former Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas in November, and his representatives over a pre-contract agreement ahead of a summer move.

The 21-year-old has impressed in what is his first full season as part of the Arsenal senior squad. He has started each of his side's 15 Premier League games, helping the Gunners to concede just 12 goals - the second-best defensive record in the league.

With those displays, however, has come interest from other clubs, with PSG linked with making a move for the defender in November.

And earlier in December, French outlet Media Foot (via TEAMtalk) claimed that the French giants were in regular contact with Saliba's agent over a potential move in the summer.

The defender began his senior professional career in France with Saint-Etienne, and has had loan spells at Nice and Marseille whilst on the books at Arsenal.

But the Gunners have taken a timely first step to keeping him at the club.

Arsenal extend Saliba's contract

Whilst talks remain ongoing over a new long-term contract at the club, Arsenal have activated their 12-month option on Saliba's contract to ensure he is committed to the Gunners until 2024, as confirmed by The Athletic.

This gives the club more breathing room to negotiate a new deal, given the threat of any pre-contract agreements has passed for the time being.

Speaking on Friday ahead of Arsenal's Premier League clash with Brighton, Arteta said: "What I know is that the player is really happy, the player wants to be here, and that's the main thing. We have a few of those that we are willing to extend the contract.

"Willy is one of them. I think he's shown in the months that he's been with us the quality and the personality he has to play at the level we want.

"We are trying to do that because we know he can be a really important player for us."

Gunners fans will be hoping that the club can finalise a new contract for Saliba soon to cool any talk of him departing the Emirates Stadium.