Integral Arsenal duo tipped for ‘massive’ new deals with Champions League spot ‘100%’ secured

Former Leeds striker Noel Whelan has backed two more pivotal Arsenal stars to follow Gabriel Martinelli in signing lucrative new contracts at The Emirates.

Gunners forward Martinelli penned a new long-term deal with the club last Friday, with Sky Sports reporting that the contract will run until the summer of 2027.

The Brazil international has scored seven goals and added three assists in 28 appearances in all competitions for Mikel Arteta’s table-topping side this season.

The Sun reports that Martinelli will now earn £180,000-a-week, which will be £41.2million over the length of his deal.

But the fact that both Saka and Saliba will be out of contract at the end of next season makes securing their futures the next pressing matter for Emirates bosses.

England winger Saka is continually being linked with a switch to Manchester City, while Saliba is known to be on PSG’s radar.

And with links to other clubs, Whelan thinks it’s imperative for Arsenal to tie both players down as soon as possible.

He told Football Insider: “Martinelli 100% deserves a contract with the season he’s having. But it’s about Saliba and Saka now. That is two integral parts of the squad.

“They’ve got to go all out to get them signed up.

“I think the sticking point was about Champions League qualification, but they’re 100% going to be playing in that competition next season.

“And that’s if they don’t go one step further and win the league.

“There’s no doubt that they look both happy and they deserve a massive new deal for what they’ve brought to this club.”

Saka links to Real a concern

While Saliba has proved a revelation for the Gunners this season, losing Saka would be a devastating blow.

The Three Lions star, who has also been linked with Real Madrid, has taken his game to another level this season and has played a major role in Arsenal leading the Premier League.

However, the Gunners may already be planning for life without Saka as they continue to be linked with Brighton forward Kaoru Mitoma.

Arteta’s men are back in action on Saturday when they host Brentford at The Emirates.

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