Arsenal close to ‘massive’ agreement with ‘special’ player who Mikel Arteta loves
Arsenal have enjoyed a strong start to the season so far as they remain hopeful of competing for major silverware both domestically and in Europe.
Mikel Arteta’s side beat Newcastle 2-1 at St James’ Park after Nick Woltemade‘s opening goal was cancelled out by headers from Mikel Merino and Gabriel Magalhaes.
Off the pitch, meanwhile, they have a new goal following what was a busy summer transfer window, as Arsenal plan to agree contracts with key players in the coming weeks.
Six first-team regulars are set to see their deals expire in 2027 as things stand, but efforts are being made to keep many of them at the Emirates.
Football Insider revealed on 22 September that William Saliba is close to agreeing a new contract, and they will then move on to other star names.
Arsenal close in on contract agreement with Bukayo Saka
Arsenal are confident of agreeing terms with Bukayo Saka in due course, and have been tipped to boost his wages as high as £250,000 per week.
The Gunners have been making efforts behind the scenes to reach an agreement with their star man, who is believed to be happy to extend his stay at the Emirates.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider tying Saka down will come as a “massive” boost for Arsenal.
“Arsenal regard Saka as one of if not their most important player,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s one of their leaders in the dressing room, one of their star pupils, and the manager loves him, so it comes as no surprise they want him to commit his future to the club.
“I don’t think there are any concerns about his future, from what I hear he’s very happy there and happy to extend his deal which is a massive boost for Arsenal.
“Now that he’s coming back from his recent injury, he can start to show how important he is.
“Madueke has come in and shown what he can do, I think he’s made a real statement, and now it’s Saka’s turn to show what he can do.
“Off the pitch, though, they’ve been making efforts to extend his deal and I expect it’s something that will be agreed soon because all parties want to make it happen.”
Saka has widely been seen as the face of Arsenal on and off the pitch in recent years, while Arteta dubbed him a “special person” in high praise. [BBC]
Arsenal have the edge on Liverpool in one key measure
The Gunners have been praised for their proactive approach to contracts, with their planning regarded as one area where Arsenal have the edge on Liverpool.
Arne Slot’s side lost Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer, and faced late battles to retain Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk in the last years of their deals.
With Arsenal tying Saliba and Saka down to new deals despite them still having plenty of time left to run, they have future-proofed the squad from any major concern.
Arteta enjoyed a strong summer transfer window, as Arsenal bolstered their attack by signing Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, and Noni Madueke.
However, keeping the likes of Saliba and Saka at the club are seen as equally important steps for the club’s success over the coming seasons.
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