Arsenal are making “good progress” in contract negotiations with two of their most prized assets, Bukayo Saka and William Saliba, according to reports from TBR Football. The club’s sporting director Andrea Berta has made securing long-term deals for the duo a top priority since his appointment in March, and sources close to the talks suggest both players are receptive to the club’s vision for the future.
🔒 Long-Term Commitment in Sight
Both Saka and Saliba, aged 24, have less than two years remaining on their current contracts, and Arsenal are keen to avoid any uncertainty heading into 2026. Berta has held extensive discussions with the players and their representatives, focusing on Arsenal’s ambitions under Mikel Arteta and the role each player will play in that journey.
“Berta believes Arsenal’s summer plans have highlighted to both players that they are in the right place to fulfil their ambitions,” said TBR Football’s Graeme Bailey.
The proposed new deals include significant wage increases, reflecting the players’ importance to the squad and their growing stature in European football.
🧠 Berta’s Influence and Strategic Vision
While overseeing Arsenal’s aggressive summer transfer campaign — which saw the arrivals of Viktor Gyökeres, Eberechi Eze, Martin Zubimendi, and Noni Madueke — Berta also quietly advanced contract talks with key players. Having already secured extensions for Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, the Italian director is now focused on finalizing deals for Saka and Saliba before the January transfer window.
Arteta has praised Berta’s efforts, noting the strong collaboration between the club and the players’ agents.
“The good thing is that the players want to remain here and be a big part of the history of this club in the next few years,” Arteta said.
🩺 Injury Setbacks but No Contract Doubts
Both Saka and Saliba are currently sidelined — Saka with a hamstring issue and Saliba recovering from a knee injury sustained during the warm-up at Anfield. Despite their absence, Arsenal’s depth has shone through, with Cristhian Mosquera and Noni Madueke stepping up impressively.
Mosquera has adapted seamlessly to Premier League football, while Madueke’s performances against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest have sparked debate among fans about his potential to challenge Saka for a starting role.
🔮 Future-Proofing Arsenal’s Core
The emergence of Mosquera and Madueke highlights Arsenal’s strategic planning and squad depth, but securing Saka and Saliba remains essential. Both players are central to Arteta’s long-term vision, and their commitment would send a strong message about the club’s trajectory.
With Berta pushing to finalize the deals ahead of January, Arsenal fans can be optimistic that two of their brightest stars will continue to wear the red and white for years to come.