'We have to keep him' - Arsenal urged by Wright to prioritize player's contract over Saka

Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has urged Mikel Arteta and Edu to secure defender William Saliba's long-term future.

The 21-year-old joined the Gunners in the summer of 2019 but only made his competitive debut for the club this season.

He has developed a wonderful partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes in the center of defense and is widely regarded as one of the best young defenders in the world.

Arsenal are keen for Saliba to sign a new long-term contract after formally agreeing new terms with Gabriel Martinelli and reportedly agreeing a new deal with Bukayo Saka.

Extra time for all three youngsters has been on Arteta's agenda for some time now, with now a case of two down, one up.

Saliba is currently under contract until 2024 and should generate a lot of interest if he decides not to sign a new contract.

Following news of Saka's deal to extend his stay at the Emirates, the French defender hinted he wants to stay at Arsenal saying he wants to win 'everything possible' with the club of the Premier League.

"I want to win everything possible here and put the club back on top," said Saliba. "I want to win all the titles.

"We all want to win the Premier League, and I've never won a trophy, that's why I work every day, but we know we have 15 games left and it won't be easy.< /p>

"We have to focus and never give up because the Premier League is difficult."

On Arteta, Saliba added: "Before the game he always speaks well and when you get on the pitch you want to do well because the way he speaks makes you want to fight.

"You can see he trusts me."

Arsenal legend Wright actually thinks the club should focus more on Saliba's contract than Saka's.

The former striker thinks it's imperative the Gunners keep hold of the young defender.

"You look at him [Saliba] now, the way he started the season and the way he's playing, it's fantastic," Wright said. "He's a full international.

"People talk about Saka signing a new contract, and we know how much we need Saka. I don't think there were any real issues with that because of his connection. with the club.

"But I think all the eggs have to go in the Saliba basket. We have to make sure we keep this guy.

Saliba's form has received a lot of attention, although Gabriel has arguably been more impressive, but he doesn't get as much praise.

Gabriel's game has made leaps and bounds this season and has allowed Saliba to thrive.

Former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino shares the same view and believes the new partnership has "brought a new maturity to Gabriel's game".

"In all the excitement over William Saliba's performances for Arsenal this season, I think people haven't given his central defensive partner Gabriel enough credit," Cascarino wrote for The Times.

"The Brazilian is the only outfield player to have played every minute of Arsenal's league games so far and I think he has thrived alongside Saliba.

"The task of being the main partner of an exceptionally talented guy who is only 21 years old has really brought a new maturity to Gabriel's game."

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