Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has offered an upbeat update on contract negotiations for key players Bukayo Saka and William Saliba, stressing that both the club and the stars are keen to commit long-term to the Emirates.
Speaking at hispre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest, Arteta addressed questions about the pair’s contracts, with both entering the final two years of their current deals. Arsenal are determined to retain their top talents amid continued interest from Europe’s elite clubs.
“That never stops,” Arteta said on the ongoing discussions. “But I think the collaboration between the club, what Andrea [Berta, Arsenal’s sporting director] is doing, and the agents is very, very good. The good thing is that the players want to remain here and be a big part of the history of this club in the next few years. And that’s always positive. Andrea will drive that and see where we go.”
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The comments suggest progress in negotiations, with reports indicating that Arsenal are targeting long-term deals that could potentially run until 2030 or beyond for both the England winger and French defender. Saka played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s recent title challenges, contributing 16 goals and nine assists in the 2024–25 season, while Saliba has established himself as one of the world’s top centre-backs alongside Gabriel.
Arsenal stars Bukayo Saka with William Saliba
Bukayo Saka with William Saliba (Image credit: Getty Images)
The positive outlook aligns with earlier insider reports describing the contract talks as “smooth sailing” and a top priority for the club hierarchy. Securing the futures of these homegrown talents is considered crucial to Arsenal’s ambitions of finally ending their long Premier League title drought.
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Arteta also provided injury updates. Saliba has returned to training following an ankle twist suffered in the recent defeat to Liverpool. “Willi trained today, so we have a decision to make whether we play him or not. Very good news,” the manager said.
In contrast, Saka remains sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained during international duty. “He’s out,” Arteta confirmed, noting that the winger is “evolving really well” under a specific recovery programme. While a return for upcoming fixtures, including Champions League clashes against Athletic Bilbao or Manchester City, remains possible, Arteta urged caution: “The moment that we increase that load, let’s see how he reacts.”
Other updates included Ben White being fully fit after a minor knock, Kai Havertz progressing from knee surgery with a potential return in weeks to months, and long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus expected to resume training around December or January following ACL surgery.
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