Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has confirmed that the club are now focusing on contract renewals for Bukayo Saka and William Saliba after Gabriel Martinelli committed his future to the club.
On Friday morning, it was announced that Brazilian starlet Martinelli had signed a new long-term contract at the Emirates following a few months of negotiations.
The 21-year-old is understood to have signed a four-and-a-half year contract until the summer of 2027, which also includes a 12-month extension option.
Martinelli is one of three youngsters whom Arsenal have been working to tie down to new-and-improved contracts, with the ex-Ituano youngster now said to be earning £180,000 per week.
Martinelli was due to become a free agent in the summer of 2024 prior to his renewal, although Arsenal were protected by a two-year extension option in his previous terms.
© Reuters
Now, Gunners manager Arteta has affirmed that new deals for Saka and Saliba - both of whom are also out of contract at the end of next season - are Arsenal's next two priorities.
Speaking to a press conference ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Everton, Arteta said: "Part of the plan obviously is to extend the contracts of our biggest talents at the club and commit them to the future.
"We are trying to do that. We have started with Gabi and that is good news, the others will be done when we can and we have to agree on that.
"I see everyone really happy and really willing to continue at the club but we have to meet everyone's expectations and timing is key on that."
Arsenal have already triggered a one-year option in the contract of Saliba, who would otherwise have been able to leave as a free agent at the end of the current campaign.
The France international had to wait over three years to make his competitive debut for Arsenal, but he has earned a reputation as one of the Premier League's leading defenders this season.
© Reuters
Saliba has started all 19 Premier League games for Arsenal this season, scoring two goals and setting up one more, as well as playing his part in nine clean sheets.
It has been claimed that Saliba's representatives are not satisfied with the wages that Arsenal are currently offering, but the defender hinted in January that he would be willing to commit to a new deal.
"I am so happy here. The club is speaking with my agent and me, the only thing I can do is [focus on my football]. I am so happy here," Saliba told reporters after Arsenal's 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
Meanwhile, academy graduate Saka has shone on the right-hand side since making his breakthrough into the first team, registering seven goals and seven assists in 19 Premier League games this term.
Manchester City and Liverpool are both rumoured to be keeping tabs on Saka's future, but Arsenal are not overly concerned about the prospect of losing one of their esteemed Hale End products.
The Gunners have the chance to move eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table in Saturday's match with relegation-threatened Everton at Goodison Park, and Arteta takes his team north having just been named the Premier League's Manager of the Month for January.
Ben Knapton
