Arsenal told Mikel Arteta has ‘upset’ £27m star who could make a shock exit

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Jay Bothroyd has urged Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal to ‘pay what William Saliba wants’ as the highly-rated centre-back now faces an uncertain future at the Emirates.

The 22-year-old, after signing for Arsenal in 2019 for £27 million (Sky Sports), finally had his breakthrough campaign this term, but there are now issues over his current contract, which has one year left to run.

There are doubts over whether he will sign a new deal amid interest from PSG, with former Hale-End star Bothroyd posting on Twitter that Mikel Arteta has ‘upset’ William Saliba, who now ‘holds the cards’, in regards to his future.

For large parts of the season, Arsenal were sitting at the top of the Premier League table, and Saliba’s introduction into a side that missed out on the top four last season, played a huge part in that.

It could even be argued, if the France international wasn’t injured during the final few months of the season, then the north London club might be Premier League champions right now.

Former Arsenal man Bothroyd weighed in on the Saliba saga and how the Gunners need to bite the bullet.

“Honestly I think Saliba has every right to demand similar money to top Arsenal earners,” said Bothroyd. “It wasn’t long ago that Chambers and Mari were chosen ahead of him, Arteta saying he’s not progressing fast enough! That obviously upset him, now Saliba holds the cards you have to pay him.”

ARSENAL CAN’T AFFORD TO LOSE SALIBA

Even with the ball-playing centre-back in Arsenal’s team, there are some who feel that the club’s defensive line needs upgrading again if they are to push over that Premier League title line.

If Saliba walks out of the door, either this summer or in 12 months’ time on a free transfer, then it would be a body blow for the club and their long-term progression.

After Bukayo Saka netted a new big-money deal, it’s only right that those in the Emirates boardroom offer a similar amount to Saliba, or else, their star defender will head for the exit door.