Mikel Arteta optimistic Arsenal will secure William Saliba contract extension

Arsenal are keen to secure William Saliba on a new contract (Steven Paston/PA)

Mikel Arteta is optimistic Arsenal will be able to secure a contract extension to ensure defender William Saliba remains a Gunner long term.

The 21-year-old signed a long-term deal in 2019 and was sent out on loan spells to French sides St Etienne, Nice and Marseille before featuring more regularly at the Emirates this season, scoring two goals across 15 appearances so far this campaign.