Arsenal could hand their fans a 'huge Christmas gift' as Mikel Arteta's side close in on a blockbuster new contract for one of their star players.
Arsenal safeguard futures of star players with contract talks held
The Gunners' title credentials have faced a stern examination during a testing December period that has exposed their mounting injury concerns, yet the club's hierarchy remains focused on safeguarding long-term ambitions through crucial contract talks with their star performers.
Arsenal BERTA
Arsenal currently sit two points clear atop the Premier League table following Saturday's dramatic 2-1 victory over bottom-placed Wolves, secured through two very fortunate own goals, including Yerson Mosquera's stoppage-time header.
However, their recent form reveals vulnerabilities, just one victory across their previous three fixtures before the Wolves game, highlighted by a disappointing 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa that ended an 18-match unbeaten streak across all competitions.
Arsenal's 18-game unbeaten run in all competitions
Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest
Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal
Arsenal 1-1 Man City
Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal
Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos
Arsenal 2-0 West Ham
Fulham 0-1 Arsenal
Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid
Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace
Arsenal 2-0 Brighton
Burnley 0-2 Arsenal
Slavia Prague 0-3 Arsenal
Sunderland 2-2 Arsenal
Arsenal 4-1 Tottenham
Arsenal 3-1 Bayern Munich
Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal
Arsenal 2-0 Brentford
Arteta's defensive resources are stretched perilously thin, with Ben White's hamstring injury sustained against Wolves adding to the absences of Gabriel Magalhaes, Cristhian Mosquera, Max Dowman and Kai Havertz.
The England international faces at least four weeks sidelined, according to Fabrizio Romano, compounding Arsenal's problems during the season's most demanding phase.
Despite on-field turbulence, sporting director Andrea Berta is still working to tie down some key stars after enjoying a lot of success in that regard.
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The Rossoneri pair are attracting real north London interest.
Jurrien Timber is advancing toward fresh terms after his outstanding form this season, while initial discussions have commenced with captain Martin Odegaard and midfielder Declan Rice ahead of new agreements in 2026.
Both players' current deals expire in 2028, with Rice's contract containing a 12-month extension option.
Goalkeeper David Raya recently committed to improved terms until 2028, recognizing his consecutive Golden Glove awards as the Spaniard establishes himself among the Premier League's elite shot-stoppers.
The same can be said for Trossard, who penned improved terms earlier this season without an actual extension.
These negotiations also follow new deals for William Saliba, Gabriel, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly earlier this year.
Arsenal to hand fans 'huge Christmas gift' with new Bukayo Saka deal
However, the biggest name of the lot to be awarded a new contract is undoubtedly star winger Bukayo Saka.
Saka-Raya-Arsenal
The Hale End sensation is reportedly poised to sign a groundbreaking new deal until 2030, making him Arsenal's first £300,000-per-week player.
Now, journalist Graeme Bailey has shared an update via X, claiming that Arsenal are close to confirming Saka's new deal after Berta talks with the 24-year-old's camp this month.
Saka's impending contract extension comes as transformative news for Arsenal's long-term trophy ambitions.
The England international has established himself as the club's most influential attacking talent, delivering consistently both abroad and domestically since making his Premier League debut all the way back in 2019.
Arsenal Saka
His commitment ensures Arsenal retain their homegrown superstar during his prime years, thwarting rumoured interest from the likes of Real Madrid whilst making sure Saka can't leave on a free in 2027.
It is undoubtedly the perfect Christmas present for Arteta, and the cherry on top would be a victory in each of their upcoming festive games to end 2025 on a high.
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Arteta's side are ravaged with fitness concerns.