Arsenal could now see the long-term future of Mikel Arteta determine whether one of their top players remains at the club for years to come.
Having come within two points of becoming the Premier League champions, Arsenal find themselves in a promising position going into the 2024/25 campaign.
However, the Gunners may now find themselves needing to get their hands on some silverware this upcoming season to please some of their players.
The last time Mikel Arteta‘s side were able to lift a trophy was in 2020 after beating Chelsea in the FA Cup which may be starting to weigh on the minds of some of Arsenal’s top players.
Only so many times will certain players be willing to finish second which leaves this season an important one for the north London side.
And it seems one of the players at the Emirates Stadium is attracting the attention of Barcelona as a long-term target.
Important Arsenal player receiving interest from Barcelona
Slowly, Arsenal have been putting together a starting XI which is able to compete with the likes of Manchester City.
Arteta has been handed some serious players over recent transfer windows, but it is one of their more shrewd pieces of business which has really caught the attention of clubs around Europe.
Arsenal signed William Saliba back in 2019 for a fee of around £27m and then loaned him back out until they felt he was ready.
According to Football Transfers, Barcelona are keen on bringing the Arsenal centre-back to the Camp Nou.
The 23-year-old is said to be a long-term target of the Spanish giants, but they understand that a move for the Frenchman is a long shot.
A move for the defender could, however, hinge on the future of whether Arteta remains at the club for the long-term future.
William Saliba’s future depends on Mikel Arteta’s contract
This summer marks the final 12 months of Arteta’s current deal in north London having now been appointed back in 2019.
Having signed a contract extension in the 2021/22 campaign, the Spaniard now faces a big decision on whether he wants to continue with the Gunners.
TBR understands Arsenal are keen to secure Arteta down to a new deal, but the decision ultimately lies with the former Arsenal midfielder.
The Spaniard holds a strong relationship with Edu Gaspar and appreciates the backing he has had from the club.