Arsenal trying to bolt down Saka and Saliba after Martinelli extension

Jacque Talbot

• 4 Feb 2023 11:10 GMT
• 3 min read

Arsenal are trying to tie down fresh contracts for Bukayo Saka and William Saliba after Gabriel Martinelli penned a new deal.

The Brazilian attacker has committed himself to the club until 2027 following his breathless season for the Premier League leaders, pitching in with seven goals in 19 matches.

Indeed, now Mikel Arteta hopes that Saka and Saliba, whose existing terms expire in 2024, will also sign on the dotted line.

Aaron Ramsdale is discussing a fresh contract to extend his stay at the Emirates, too.

Arteta confirmed via The Guardian that the club hope to seal the futures of the players. Part of the plan obviously is to extend the contracts of our biggest talents and commit them to the future,” he said.

“We are trying to do that, we have started with Gabi and that’s good news. The others will be done when we can and we have to agree on that. The Spaniard continued: “I see everyone really happy and really willing to continue at the club but we have to meet expectations and timing is key on that.”

Martinelli’s fresh deal coincided with the signing of his Brazilian compatriot Jorginho, who arrived on Deadline Day from Chelsea for a fee that could reach up to £12m.

It is thought that Arteta is a fan of the former Napoli star and he hopes he can bolster the midfield with him, following the long-term knee injury endured by Mohamed Elneny.

Arteta on the market

“We knew that in this market you have to adapt and be flexible and be ready for inconvenience,” Arteta said. “We had to have a plan that probably wasn’t the case before the injury happened. We have adapted and we have improved the squad.”

Jorginho could make his debut in the Saturday early kick-off to Everton but there is uncertainty over the availability of Thomas Partey, who is nursing a rib injury.

As well as the former Blues veteran, Arsenal brought in Leandro Trossard and Jakub Kiwior during the January window.