Arsenal are set to open a fresh round of contract negotiations with William Saliba, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli in the coming weeks, according to reports. The trio see each of their respective deals with the Gunners expire in 18 months and, with neither of which close to extending their tenures, they face increasingly uncertain futures at the Emirates Stadium.
Saliba is the most complicated of the three to tie down, according to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs. The 21-year-old has been heavily linked with an exit from London Colney recently, with Paris Saint-Germain said to be monitoring the defender's situation.
Saka has attracted just as much interest as his counterpart, with Manchester City believed to have shortlisted the Hale End graduate as part of Pep Guardiola long-term plans. Then, in October, Chelsea were one of several top Premier League sides who registered an interest in Martinelli with the winger's future in doubt.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta confirms Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli decision ahead of Arsenal vs West Ham
Despite some of Europe's top clubs circling Arsenal's situation, technical director Edu will open talks with Saliba, Saka and Martinelli in the next few weeks, according to Fabrizio Romano. In the meantime, the Gunners are believed to have some respectable insurance on each of the youngsters' futures.
The north London side hold the option to extend Saliba and Saka's respective deals by at least another year, football.london understands, as well as Martinelli's by a further two. The trio are set to be the foundation of Arteta's plans at Arsenal, with the Spaniard building a very promising young side.
There are signs of hesitancy at the Emirates Stadium, though. In October, Arteta admitted that he fears Saliba won't sign a new deal. When asked by football.london if securing the France international's signature will be difficult, he said: "I don’t know.
"I was really impressed and at the same time surprised when I spoke to him. Obviously the way the relationship started and he went on loan, and he came back, and he went again.
"If that was a bit of damage there, because obviously he had certain expectations and something happened, but again he was so committed and so focused just to play for Arsenal that I think it took all of us by a little bit of surprise. So if I look at how he talks about the club and how much he wants to be here, I have no doubts that he wants to continue to be here."
Martinelli, on the other hand, could be an easier to tie down after having already admitted that he's ready to agree a new deal, but is just waiting to finalise details with negotiators. The Brazil international told reporters at Arsenal's pre-Zurich press conference: "I want to stay they just need to give me a pen."
"I am very happy at Arsenal. I said it many times, I love to be here. I love the city, I love everything about Arsenal so I want to stay. Yeah, just need to get a pen."
Saka has been coy on whether or not he signs a new deal at Arsenal. Nevertheless, Arteta will be hoping that the £243.5million-rated trio all put pen to paper soon.
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