Arsenal prepare to hand three young stars new contracts this summer
Arsenal are planning to offer new contracts to three of their young stars before the end of the season, The Athletic have revealed.
Contract renewals for the impressive pair of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are expected to be offered before the end of this season, with both players entering the final two years of their deals come the summer transfer window.
🚨 Arsenal contributing to Aubameyang salary via instalments until summer before Barcelona fully take over on lower wage. Arteta (+ Lewis) approved deal from Dubai & has now communicated with 32yo
➕ Lots more #AFC w/ @gunnerblog @ArtdeRoche @TheAthleticUK https://t.co/dTTxT3oIhu— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) February 3, 2022
Jurgen Klopp has previously spoken of his love for Martinelli, and Arsenal will want to nip that interest in the bud this summer, with Martinelli having become a key performer in Mikel Arteta’s side this campaign.
Jurgen Klopp goes out of his way in his post-match press conference to heap praise on Gabriel Martinelli 👀👀#OptusSport pic.twitter.com/1pw8FbPQBu
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) January 21, 2022
And, should Martinelli be tied to a new contract in north London, his value will only continue to increase.
Saliba’s future up in the air
Meanwhile, William Saliba is also expected to be offered a new contract, despite not having played a senior minute for the first team since signing in 2019.
The Frenchman has enjoyed loans to three different sides in Ligue 1, but has shone this season especially.
‘How is he not at Arsenal?’ – Saliba would WALK into Arteta’s team and is one of best defenders in France, says Mavididi https://t.co/AVBfxpCV4q
— The Sun – Arsenal (@SunArsenal) February 2, 2022
He will likely return to north London this summer, but like Saka and Martinelli will have two years left to run on his contract, leaving the Gunners with a decision to make on the young Frenchman. It is widely assumed that he will fight for his spot next season in Mikel Arteta’s side, but whether he will agree to remain beyond 2024 is as of yet unclear.