Arsenal postpone contract extension talks with key figure amid interest from PSG - Reports
Arsenal have reportedly shelved contract talks with manager Mikel Arteta amidst interest from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
According to the Sun, Barcelona and Manchester City also have a long-term interest in the Spanish tactician. Les Parisiens are apparently set to sack Christophe Galtier after he couldn't take the club beyond the UEFA Champions League last 16.
Barcelona and Manchester City would be content with the work being done by Xavi Hernandez and Pep Guardiola, respectively. However, they're said to be eyeing Arteta with a long-term picture in mind.
The Gunners have postponed talks with Arteta regarding a fresh deal to avoid any distractions from the title race. Arsenal are three points clear atop the pile after 30 games.
Second-placed Manchester City, though, have been relentless, picking up 22 out of a possible 24 points. Arteta's deal at the Emirates runs till the summer of 2025, so the Gunners are relaxed about his contract situation.
They offered the former Manchester City assistant manager a raise of £3 million in annual wages when he signed fresh terms last May. The 41-year-old could become the first manager since Arsene Wenger (2003-04) to win the Premier League as Arsenal manager.
The north London giants have eight games remaining in the season after being eliminated from all cup competitions. The league clash against Manchester City at the Etihad on April 26 could be a potential title decider.
William Saliba ruled out of Arsenal's West Ham clash
William Saliba was forced off with an injury during Arsenal's UEFA Europa League last-16 second leg against Sporting CP on March 16.
The Frenchman suffered a back injury and was taken off in the 21st minute, with his team losing on penalties. He has missed the last three Premier League games, with Arsenal keeping no clean sheets during that time.
Arteta has confirmed that the Frenchman is not yet ready to return. Saliba has been ruled out of the Gunners' trip to the London Stadium to take on West Ham United in the Premier League on Sunday (April 16).
The Spaniard said at his pre-match presser (h/t club website):
"William (Saliba) is still not available. He’s progressing well, and we are hopeful we’ll have him available in the next few weeks, but we’ll have to see."
Saliba started in all of his team's 27 league games before his injury against the Leoes. Arteta has Rob Holding, Gabriel Magalhaes and Jakub Kiwior to choose from in central defence.