Arsenal trigger contract extensions of star duo ahead of January transfer window

The Gunners are keen not to disrupt their positive momentum this season

Updated: July 05, 2023 at 12:15 am GMT+1

Arsenal have extended the contracts of both Bukayo Saka and William Saliba until 2024 using clauses in their existing deals, which were previously due to expire in June 2023.

It comes with the club deep in talks with both players over new, longer-term deals as they look to tie down the key pieces of Mikel Arteta’s high-flying side for the forseeable future.

Both players were due to be out of contract in 2023, meaning that they could leave for free in the summer. While there was seemingly little chance of that happening, the one-year extension gives the Gunners more control over the packages offered to their stars, as well as more time to iron out minor details.

Talks remain positive with both players to extend their deals beyond 2024, with the pair both in line for significant wage rises to reflect their newfound importance to the current Premier League leaders.

Arsenal's William Saliba celebrates his side's second goal of the game, scored by team-mate Gabriel (not pictured) during the Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, London. Picture date: Saturday August 27, 2022. 2JT27J9 Arsenal's William Saliba celebrates his side's second goal of the game, scored by team-mate Gabriel (not pictured) during the Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, London. Picture date: Saturday August 27, 2022. (Alamy Stock Photo)

ESPN report that “sources with knowledge of Saka’s talks suggest he is in line for a huge jump to around £200,000-a-week although the precise terms are as yet unclear”, while central defender Saliba is likely to command a similar salary after becoming an ever-present in the heart of the Gunners defence.

Despite the salary, it is understood that talks with Saka are “progressing positively”, with the Englishman having admitted that he has ‘confidence’ that a new deal will get done to keep him in Red and White.

Gabriel Martinelli is also in talks to renew his contract, which at present can run until 2026, with the Brazilian making no secret of his desire to remain in north London for the forseeable future.

“I love everything about Arsenal so I want to stay. I just need to get a pen [to sign a new contract]”, he admitted before the World Cup, while he has previously expressed his desire to remain at the Emirates Stadium for the remainder of his career.

Arteta and Edu have also triggered an option to extend the contract of Charlie Patino in recent days, which will keep the talented youngster at the club until 2025.