After William Saliba, Arsenal must hand new contract to 'world class' star
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(Credit: Imago)
Ciaran Morrison
Thu 25 September 2025 11:45, UK
William Saliba should not be the only player Arsenal give a new contract too, with another star having just two years left on his current deal.
The Gunners have handed out multiple contracts to key players over the past few months under Arsenal’s new sporting director Andrea Berta.
Centre-back Saliba has become the latest to commit his future to the club, after Ethan Nwaneri, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel and Myles Lewis-Skelly signed new Arsenal contracts.
Saliba has formed a formidable partnership with Gabriel, which has been the foundation of Arsenal’s title challenges under Mikel Arteta.
Credit: Imago
Berta must now focus on securing the long-term future of winger Bukayo Saka to the club.
Arsenal are working on a new contract for Saka, who has been hailed as a “world class” player by Rio Ferdinand, as per the Daily Mail [16 April].
The 24-year-old has under two years left on his current contract, which expires in 2027 alongside Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, Christian Norgaard and Trossard.
Bukayo SakaStatsAppearances267Goals71Assists71Bukayo Saka’s Arsenal stats in all competitions.
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Saka has been one of Arsenal’s most consistent performers over the past few seasons, with his goals and assists crucial from the right flank.
Opponents cannot cope when Saka cuts inside on his left foot, often leading to a shot on goal.
Losing Saka, a graduate from the club’s academy, would be a travesty, and despite Noni Madueke’s bright start to life at the club, replacing him will be almost impossible.
Saka has been at the heart of Arteta’s project at the club since the Spaniard joined Arsenal in December 2019.
Without Saka, Arteta may have lost his job early in his tenure as he changed the identity of the Arsenal squad.
If Arteta is to bring major silverware to Arsenal then keeping hold of his best players will be key.
The club are in a strong position for the future, with no players contracts expiring until 2027, and trophies don’t seem to be far away for Arsenal at the moment.
Like any player though Saka will want to win trophies, and may have his head turned the longer he decides against signing a new deal.
From January 2026, Saka currently would be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with any club, a situation Arsenal cannot let happen.
Saka is simply too key a player for Arsenal to allow to let leave, and the club must do all in their power to keep him.