In the background of Arsenal’s impressive transfer business right now, sporting director Andrea Berta is also working on several important contract renewals.
First of all, Arsenal have concerns about Ethan Nwaneri’s future, who is now entering the last year of his deal.
Otherwise, Arsenal are also keen to sign stars such as Bukayo Saka and William Saliba to new contracts, a duo they wouldn’t want to lose in any circumstance.
Saka and Saliba both have deals which run until 2027 at the Emirates, and whilst their futures aren’t a big stress right now, they will be in a year’s time if no renewal is agreed.
That being said, Andrea Berta might have just made a move that could help convince the talented duo to stay in north London.
Viktor Gyokeres deal might convince William Saliba to stay at Arsenal
TBR Football recently confirmed that Arsenal expect to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP in the near future — the striker Berta has opted to sign instead of Benjamin Sesko.
And as explained by chief correspondent Graeme Bailey, that’s a move that could help keep the likes of Saliba at the Emirates.
Bailey said: “I think Berta’s opinion has won the day to a certain extent with Gyokeres.
“Berta loves Sesko too, he saw the benefits of a move, he could turn out to be the new Haaland. But Arsenal are in win-now mode.
Viktor Gyokeres celebrates a goal for Sporting CP
Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images
READ MORE: Martin Keown delivers his honest verdict on Arsenal signing Viktor Gyokeres
“Not to be disrespectful to Arsenal, but let’s not forget that they could be heading into their final season of Saliba and Saka here, and that’s not being melodramatic.
“Neither have signed their new deals yet and what are they waiting for? Are they waiting to see if Arsenal are true to their word about their ambitions?
“If they are, Gyokeres could be a very sensible signing. It’s all very well saying ‘we’ve just signed the next Haaland who in two years is going to be the player’.
“But instead Arsenal can say ‘we’ve signed a player who we think is arguably the best striker in Europe’. I think Berta’s Gyokeres decision could have a positive effect on the rest of the squad.
“They’re showing Saliba and Saka that we’re here to win, and we’re here to win now.”
Gabriel Martinelli’s Arsenal future is still uncertain
Of course, Saka and Saliba aren’t the only players with expiring deals in 2027 — Gabriel Martinelli’s contract also currently runs until then.
TBR Football shared earlier in the summer that Arsenal wanted to give Martinelli a new deal.
However, Bayern Munich have now shown interest in Martinelli and Berta has also identified the need to sign a new left winger if possible.
And whilst that doesn’t mean that there won’t be space for Martinelli, the Brazilian’s situation will be one to watch up until the end of August.
As stated, Arsenal would like to keep Martinelli in an ideal world, irrespective of the new forwards who come in.
But it could be a difficult task for Arteta to keep such a big and competitive squad happy next season.