Arsenal remain confident that Bukayo Saka and William Saliba will eventually extend their contracts, with the club expected to focus on their new deals in the coming weeks.
SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE: William Saliba of Arsenal is challenged by Ruben Loftus-Cheek of AC Milan during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Arsenal FC and AC Milan at National Stadium on July 23, 2025. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)
Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images
James McNicholas reports for The Athletic that Arsenal contract negotiations with Bukayo Saka and William Saliba remain ongoing.
The expectation is that they will be a focus in the coming weeks, with the transfer window now closed, and Arsenal are confident that those talks will reach a successful conclusion.
Bukayo Saka of Arsenal reacts during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Arsenal FC and AC Milan at National Stadium on July 23, 2025 in Singapore.
Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images
Aside from the closure of the transfer window, perhaps another reason why now is a good time to negotiate is that both players are sidelined through injury.
In normal circumstances, both Saka and Saliba would be expected to link up with their countries over the international break, travelling around the continent.
But with Saka picking up a hamstring problem and Saliba spraining his ankle before the match against Liverpool, the duo will be undergoing rehab at London Colney for the next couple of weeks.
Arsenal injury updates - LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 31: William Saliba of Arsenal reacts with an injury during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield on August 31, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Despite the current injuries, Saka and Saliba remain two of Arsenal’s most important players, and Andrea Berta will be keen to get their contracts sorted.
The absolute worst-case scenario would be that one or both end up leaving for free when their contracts run out, seeing Arsenal lose the player(s) whilst also missing out on a potential £100m+ transfer.
It seems Arsenal are still optimistic of the best-case scenario though, which is that both players extend and spend many more years in north London.
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