Arsenal

Arsenal

Premier League • England

Fabrizio Romano gives Arsenal boost with triple deal looking ‘very positive’ amid Man City, PSG threat

Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has handed Arsenal a major lift by revealing their triple contract talks with Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and William Saliba are looking ‘very positive’.

Mikel Arteta wants sporting director Edu to agree new deals for the trio, alongside his pursuits of potential new signings. And it is a good job Arsenal are trying to tie them down, too.

Saka, who had a hand in both goals during Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham recently, is reportedly on Manchester City’s radar. There has even been talk of Saka going to the Etihad in a player-plus-cash deal involving England team-mate Jack Grealish.

Saliba has been similarly impressive this campaign and this has resulted in links with Paris Saint-Germain. As per French outlet Media Foot, Saliba’s agent has held discussions with PSG to discuss a potential move to the French capital in the future.

Martinelli is another one of Arsenal’s top performers amid their Premier League title push. After notching seven goals in 18 league appearances this term, the Brazilian has gained admirers at Barcelona.

Martinelli, Saka and Saliba all have Arsenal contracts which expire in summer 2024. This is worrying for Arsenal fans as it means they could leave for a reduced price at the end of the current campaign. The expiring contracts will also be giving hope to the trio’s potential suitors that a deal can be struck.

Luckily for Arteta, Edu is working hard to get their renewals over the line. And Romano has now given a promising update on the situation, during an interview with CaughtOffside.

“Talks are ongoing with Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and William Saliba,” Romano said. “All discussions are very positive but it will be time to get deals signed this year. Timing is up to [the] club and player, [it] could be any moment or months.”

Arsenal getting closer to contract renewals

It sounds like Arsenal are making progressing in their bid to extend the contracts. All three players will be rewarded for their fine form with pay rises, too.

Martinelli and Saka could both have their wages increased to £200,000 a week. Saliba will not earn as much as the attackers, as he is poised to pick up £120,000 per week once his new contract goes through. However, this will still see Saliba’s earnings trebled from £40,000 a week.

Arsenal are enjoying a fantastic campaign, as they sit top of the Premier League table on 47 points. They also remain in the FA Cup and Europa League and could win either of those competitions as well.

The contract negotiations are at risk of becoming an unwanted distraction, should they go on too long. Due to this, Edu needs to get them done as soon as he possibly can. This will allow everyone at the Emirates to focus fully on potentially winning the club’s 14th league title.

The Gunners are next in action on Sunday, when they play Manchester United at home in the league. After that, Arteta’s men travel to Manchester City in the FA Cup fourth round on January 27.

Meanwhile, Tuesday’s Euro Paper Talk claims Arsenal could be beaten to an £80m striker signing by Man Utd.