Arsenal are reportedly planning to reward Aaron Ramsdale with a new-and-improved contract in the near future.
The England international quickly ousted Bernd Leno as the Gunners' number one following his arrival from Sheffield United last summer and received high praise for his performances.
Ramsdale kept 14 clean sheets across all competitions in the 2021-22 season, including 12 in the Premier League as Arsenal just missed out on qualification for the Champions League.
The 24-year-old has conceded just 10 goals in 10 Premier League games so far this season, keeping four clean sheets and helping Arsenal storm to the top of the table.
Ramsdale penned a four-year deal upon his arrival at the Emirates Stadium in the summer of 2021, although the Gunners do possess the option to trigger a 12-month extension until 2026.
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According to The Athletic, Arsenal are keen to recognize Ramsdale's contribution with a lucrative new deal as they seek to tie multiple youngsters down to longer-term contracts.
There is said to be an "acknowledgement from all sides" that Ramsdale is worthy of a higher salary, given his standing as undisputed number one for a Premier League Big Six club.
The ex-Bournemouth man - who is expected to be on the plane for England for the 2022 World Cup - has made 47 appearances for the Gunners in total so far, keeping 18 clean sheets.
Arsenal are working to tie a wealth of up-and-coming starlets down to new deals in the near future, namely Gabriel Martinelli, William Saliba and Bukayo Saka.
Mikel Arteta has confirmed that talks are ongoing with the trio and their representatives, and the report adds that conversations with Saka's entourage are the most advanced.
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The 21-year-old, who finished eighth in the Kopa Trophy at Monday's Ballon d'Or awards, is under contract at the Emirates until 2024, but both player and manager expect a new deal to be finalized soon.
Meanwhile, Martinelli's deal also runs for less than two years, but the Gunners can choose to activate a two-year extension until 2026 under the new terms he signed back in 2020.
However, Arsenal want to ensure that Martinelli's wage packet reflects his improvement and standing in the side, and the same goes for Saliba, whose fixed terms reportedly expire at the end of the season.
Similarly to Martinelli and Ramsdale, Arsenal can trigger an extension in Saliba's contract to keep him on until 2024, but the 21-year-old is still tied to the terms he signed upon his arrival in 2019 - albeit with pay rises for his continued development.
Arsenal will endeavour to make significant headway in contract talks with the players' agents during the World Cup, and the Gunners are currently preparing for Thursday's Europa League tie with PSV Eindhoven at the Emirates.
Ben Knapton
