Incoming Arsenal chief Andrea Berta wants new deals for mainstays Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Magalhaes, and William Saliba.
Arsenal did not really do much in the winter transfer window, but they are expected to go big in the summer. Andrea Berta, who is all set to take charge as the North London club’s new sporting director, will be quite busy right from the start.
According to a report from Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, the former Atletico Madrid chief has been tasked with conducting three key contract renewals upon his arrival. The Gunners want to secure the long-term future of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Magalhaes, and William Saliba. They want to get it done as soon as possible.
While the 53-year-old transfer guru will have a significant say in the North London club’s striker pursuit, his priority will be securing contract renewals for the team’s three mainstays before turning his attention elsewhere.
A new deal for Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Magalhaes, and William Saliba
Saka has been one of their standout performers since breaking into this first team back in 2019. He established himself as the leader of their attack and was their standout performer before picking up a hamstring injury. With just over two years left on his deal, Arsenal want to ensure they have total control over his future.
While the English international is their star man, they have a very strong defensive foundation, which is one of the major reasons why they have been so competitive in recent years. The presence of Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba at the heart of the defence solidifies their status as the best defensive unit in the country.
With the contracts of both their defensive mainstays running until the summer of 2027, Arsenal want to sort out their long-term future on a priority basis. In order to ensure they put pen to paper, the Gunners are willing to make them their top earners alongside Kai Havertz.
Real Madrid are keen on Saliba
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Magalhaes have seldom been linked with a move away, but the same cannot be said about William Saliba, who is on the wishlist of Real Madrid. The reigning La Liga champions want a new central defender who can help them in the short as well as in the long run.
They admire the French international and would love to add him to their squad ahead of next season. In order to keep Los Blancos at bay, the Gunners need to tie the 23-year-old down to a new deal.