Arteta has 'no doubts' Saliba wants Arsenal stay with any 'damage' repaired ahead of contract talks

• Spent time out on loan
• Was waiting on Gunners debut
• Now set for fresh terms

WHAT HAPPENED? The Gunners are hoping to see Saliba commit to a new contract at Emirates Stadium, with talks regarding fresh terms now underway. The 21-year-old Frenchman has been a revelation for the Premier League leaders this season, with a stunning impact made on the back of loan spells at Saint-Etienne, Nice and Marseille that could have seen him give up on making a breakthrough in north London.

WHAT THEY SAID: Arteta has told football.london when asked about contract discussions and collective confidence when it comes to getting a deal done: "I was really impressed and at the same time surprised when I spoke to him. Obviously the way the relationship started and he went on loan, and he came back, and he went again.

"If that was a bit of damage there, because obviously he had certain expectations and something happened, but again he was so committed and so focused just to play for Arsenal that I think it took all of us by a little bit of surprise. So if I look at how he talks about the club and how much he wants to be here, I have no doubts that he wants to continue to be here."

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Saliba was still waiting on a competitive debut for Arsenal heading into the 2022-23 campaign, but he now has eight appearances and two goals to his name as plaudits rain down on him from around the world.

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WHAT NEXT FOR SALIBA? Arsenal have taken seven wins from eight Premier League games so far this season but, after facing Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League on Thursday, will see their title-challenging credentials given a stern examination on Sunday when playing host to Liverpool.