Mikel Arteta has revealed that he hopes to ‘deal’ with new contracts for star duo William Saliba and Bukayo Saka in the coming weeks, but admits that ‘things need time sometimes’ as Arsenal look to tie their long-term futures to the club.
The Gunners, who sit five points clear at the top of the Premier League, have already agreed a new contract for Gabriel Martinelli, which will keep him at the club until 2027 following a string of impressive performances.
The journey continues 🙏
I’m so proud to have signed another contract with The Arsenal family.
From the moment I joined the staff, my teammates and the supporters have made me feel at home ❤️
I’m excited for what the future holds at this special club 👊
COYG 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/QRwEPO0X8S
— Gabriel Martinelli (@gabimartinelli) February 3, 2023
But, when questioned on the futures of both Saka and Saliba ahead of their upcoming clash with Brentford, Arteta gave little away. Quizzed on if the Saka and Saliba extensions had taken care of themselves by virtue of their stellar performances, the Spaniard explained.
“Yeah, they will do. In the same way we dealt with Gabi [Martinelli], we’ll deal with the rest.
“Things need time sometimes but we are delighted with the news of Gabi obviously.”
There is much less optimism around the future of winger Reiss Nelson however, who is set to be out of contract in the summer, and has only managed two Premier League appearances this season, though he is expected to be fit for the tie against Brentford.
With Leandro Trossard having arrived in January and another winger potentially on the cards this summer, it is unclear where Nelson would fit beyond this season at the Emirates unless there is a major breakthrough in his performances between now and May.
