Saliba has been one of the revelations of the season following a breakthrough campaign after three loan spells in the French Ligue Un. His numbers for the team this season, up until his injury at Fulham which was aggravated in the Round of 16 Europa League loss to Sporting CP were quite staggering.

Key Stats: 

Games Played – 27

Clean Sheets – 12

Discipline – Four Yellow Cards

Attacking Output – Two goals, One Assist

Tackles Per Game: 1.3

Interceptions Per Game: 0.7

Aerial Duels Won Per Game: 2.0

Clearances Per Game: 3.0

Dribbled Past Per Game: 0.1

Blocks Made Per Game: 0.4

Average Passes Per Game: 69

Long Balls Per Game: 2.4

Key Passes Per Game: 0.2

Pass Completion Percentage: 91%

While it has undoubtedly been a standout campaign for Saliba, it is also worth noting that he’s in his fourth year of the five year Contract he signed with the club, which brings us to the precarious situation of a player going into the summer with only a year left on his contract. He can sign a new bumper deal that will tie him for five more years, or nine years, if you’re Chelsea, see out his contract and leave on a free transfer next season, or gets sold to the highest bidder as the club doesn’t wish to lose out. With Saliba, we hope it’s the first criteria on the list.

He’s just 21 and has his best years ahead of him. In the 27 Premier League games he played, his quality shone through and he formed quite a partnership with Gabriel, which was one of the best in the Premier League. In terms of his connection with the fans, Saliba has no issues there. They already have his song and he clearly loves it at North London, so all that is required at this point is for his representatives to reach an agreement with the Arsenal hierarchy to extend his stay at the club.

Saka recently signed a new deal with the club in a season where the futures of Gabriel, Gabriel Martinelli and Aaron Ramsdale have been secured. Arsenal are also making plans to extend the contract of Reiss Nelson and Martin Odegaard, so it is evident that Mikel Arteta wants to keep the core of the team that was outstanding in the Premier League this season. 

It has been reported that Saliba’s reps have rejected Arsenal contract offer and are pushing for higher wage demands. For a player of his ability and bludgeoning reputation, there is a certain expectation that comes with it, and I am hopeful that both parties can reach a common ground and conclude this affair, so that it doesn’t become a protracted saga. 

Sayonara.

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