Arsenal are eager to tie down Bukayo Saka and other key players to new contracts as they plan for the future. The England international will have two years left on his current deal at the end of the season, having signed his last extension in 2023.
Gabriel and William Saliba are in the same position, with their contracts also running until 2027. The defensive duo have formed one of the strongest centre-back partnerships in the Premier League, making them crucial to Mikel Arteta’s long-term plans.
Talks have yet to begin with Saka or Saliba, but Arsenal remain confident of securing their futures. Saliba recently addressed the situation, insisting he is relaxed about his contract and focused on winning silverware.
“There is no rush at the minute. I’m happy here. That’s it,” he said. “I’ve been here for two and a half years as well. There is nothing. I’m happy here and I want to continue here. I want to win big things with Arsenal. If you leave this club without winning anything, the fans will forget about you. I want to win big things here.”
Meanwhile, discussions have already taken place with Gabriel, who was linked with a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia last year. Arsenal will be determined to keep hold of him, especially given his growing leadership role in the squad.
Securing new contracts for key players will be one of the first major tasks for incoming sporting director Andrea Berta. In addition to Saka, Saliba, and Gabriel, Arsenal are also focused on extending deals for academy stars Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Both players signed professional contracts upon turning 17, but under current regulations, those deals could only run for three years. Now, with Lewis-Skelly having turned 18 and Nwaneri reaching that milestone on Friday, Arsenal can offer them longer contracts.
Saka remains the club’s priority. The winger has become Arsenal’s most influential player since emerging from the academy, embodying the vision and progress of Arteta’s project. His absence since December due to a hamstring injury has been felt, with the Gunners struggling at times without his attacking threat.
The 22-year-old is making steady progress in his recovery and is expected to step up his workload during the international break. His return will be crucial as Arsenal prepare for the final stretch of the season, with a huge Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid looming next month.
Despite sitting 12 points behind Liverpool in the Premier League title race, Arsenal are still fighting on the European front. Securing the futures of their key players will be vital in ensuring they remain competitive in the years ahead.