Arsenal working on contract extensions for star duo to fend off transfer interest | OneFootball

Arsenal Confident Over New Deals as Andrea Berta Shapes Club’s Future

Berta’s early impact in north London

Arsenal’s appointment of Andrea Berta as sporting director has already had a profound impact on the club’s operations. Following Edu’s unexpected departure, the Italian executive has stepped seamlessly into the role, delivering a transfer window that balanced key incomings with vital retention work.

Among his first moves were finalising Martin Zubimendi’s long-anticipated arrival, securing Noni Madueke from Chelsea, and striking a decisive deal for striker Viktor Gyökeres. In total, eight new faces came through the doors under his watch. But while recruitment often dominates the headlines, it is Berta’s attention to contract negotiations that could shape the next phase of Arsenal’s progress.

Renewals prioritised alongside recruitment

Berta has wasted little time in protecting Arsenal’s long-term core. Promising youngsters Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri have committed to fresh terms, while Gabriel Magalhães also extended his stay. Those agreements have created a foundation, yet the most significant challenges remain.

Two names stand above the rest: William Saliba and Bukayo Saka. Both players are tied down until 2027, but with fewer than two years left on their existing deals, the club are accelerating discussions to ensure their futures remain in north London.

Talks with Saka and Saliba have been ongoing for several months. Club sources indicate confidence that both negotiations are progressing positively, with Arsenal keen to avoid drawn-out sagas of the kind previously seen in 2023 when extensions for the pair went down to the final year.

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Saka central to Arsenal’s vision

Bukayo Saka has become not just Arsenal’s most reliable attacking threat, but also the face of the club’s modern identity. His influence extends beyond the pitch, embodying the academy pathway that has long defined the Gunners’ ethos. Retaining him on improved terms is viewed internally as non-negotiable.

While financial details remain undisclosed, Arsenal are understood to be prepared to place Saka among their top earners. Berta’s task is to structure a deal that satisfies the winger’s ambition while maintaining balance across the wage bill. The atmosphere around the negotiations is described as positive, with a resolution expected in the coming months.

William Saliba, meanwhile, is equally central to the project. At just 24, he is already regarded as one of the world’s premier centre-backs. Real Madrid have monitored his situation closely, with long-term interest stretching into the next two summers. For Arsenal, securing Saliba’s commitment is as much about competitive edge as it is about stability.

Arsenal contrasting Liverpool’s struggles

While Arsenal appear organised in their retention strategy, rivals Liverpool have found themselves exposed in recent months. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid highlighted the risks of failing to secure renewals at the right time, while Ibrahima Konaté’s situation remains uncertain.

By contrast, Arsenal’s proactive stance reflects a club determined to consolidate its progress under Mikel Arteta. If Berta can finalise new agreements for Saka and Saliba, Arsenal will not only protect their core but also send a powerful signal about their ambition to remain competitive at the very top of English and European football.