Arsenal set for massive boost with star man to open fresh contract talks after stellar season

WILLIAM SALIBA is set for fresh contract talks with Arsenal.

The defender was a sensation in his Gunners breakout campaign before a back injury ended his season in mid-March.

GettyWilliam Saliba is set for fresh contract talks with Arsenal.[/caption]

Saliba, 22, started the first 27 Premier League games with his absence a major reason why Arsenal have fallen behind Manchester City in the title race.

But his current Emirates deal expires in the summer of 2024 — with the centre-back spending most of his first three years at the club out on loan.

The Gunners are therefore desperate to get him tied down long-term.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are praying for a Manchester City meltdown — in Europe as well as in the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta’s Gunners have already guaranteed second place in the table and a return to Champions League action after a seven-season absence.

But if City beat Real Madrid tonight, it will increase the chances of Arsenal landing a nightmare draw — which could include the likes of BOTH Real and Bayern Munich — by being dropped into the third seeding pot.

Arsenal’s faint title hopes will be extinguished this weekend if they fail to beat Nottingham Forest or City get three points against Chelsea.

But this evening they have a major interest in Pep Guardiola’s side losing to Madrid and seeing their Euro dream shattered.

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Next season’s eight top seeds for August’s group-stage draw in Monaco will be the champions of England, Spain, Germany, France, Italy and Portugal, plus the Champions League and Europa League winners.

Then will come the next eight highest-ranked sides on Uefa’s club coefficient calculation.

Which, as things stand, would be Madrid, Manchester United, Juventus, Inter Milan, Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, Leipzig and Porto, with Arsenal one place out of the frame.

ReutersArsenal have fallen behind in the title race[/caption]