Arsenal contract issue as Cesc Fabregas provides verdict

With a busy January transfer window ahead, Arsenal are reportedly looking to renew the contracts of several key players at this current moment. However, for some, the process is not going as smoothly as the Gunners’ hierarchy would hope.

One of the players they are struggling to agree terms with is a centre back who went to the World Cup - losing him would be a massive blow to Arsenal’s long term future. But who is it?

As well as this, former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas was asked to name the most ‘gifted’ footballers who he played alongside during his time in North London. While many will find one of his picks agreeable, the other two could cause controversy within the Gunners fanbase - something Fabregas is no stranger to.

Arsenal struggling to agree terms with Saliba

Arsenal are keen to keep William Saliba at the club long-term - however, to do so, they must be willing to offer him a huge amount of money. Currently, the club have failed to meet the value set on him by his representatives, according to The Athletic.

Talks are ongoing between Saliba’s agent (Niang Djibril) and the club. However, with Saliba’s contract expiring in the summer of 2024, time is of the essence for the Gunners to offer an acceptable deal.

Fabregas names his top three Arsenal teammates

Cesc Fabregas recently did a Q&A on social media, featured in the Daily Mirror, in which he was asked to name the three most gifted footballers he played with at Arsenal. The Spaniard made 212 appearances for the Gunners between 2003 and 2011.

In his answer, Fabregas named Dennis Bergkamp, Tomas Rosicky and Alex Hleb in his top three. This contains some notable exclusions - the biggest being Thierry Henry, who many consider to be not just the best Arsenal player in history, but the best Premier League player of all time.

He also failed to mention the likes of Patrick Vieira, Ashley Cole, Robert Pires and several others world-class talents who played for Arsenal concurrently with him. Fabregas left Arsenal for Barcelona in 2011, going onto play for Chelsea, Monaco and his current club, Como.