Arsenal has activated contract extensions for midfielder Bukayo Saka and center-back William Saliba, the club confirmed on Monday. Both players’ contracts have been extended by a season ahead of talks over potential longer-term agreements.
In addition to Saka and Saliba, the club is also holding talks with attacking midfielder Gabriel Martinelli, who is currently under contract with the Gunners until 2024 with a club option for a two-year extension.
Sources claiming to have insider knowledge of the negotiations with Saka claim that the winger is set to request a significant rise in pay before agreeing to a new contract. In addition to exhibiting impressive form for England at the 2022 World Cup, Saka has emerged as one of the key players in Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal lineup in recent seasons. While unconfirmed, the player is expected to request a salary in the region of £200,000 a week.
Having arrived at Arsenal in 2019, Saliba had a slow start to life in London, spending several loan spells back in France where he previously played for Saint Etienne. After being named Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year last season, Saliba was handed a place in Arsenal’s starting 11 this season. Saliba has gotten his season off to a strong start, helping Arsenal to rise to first place in the Premier League with 14 wins in 16 games.
