Despite losing to Manchester City in the FA Cup fourth round, there was some positive news for Arsenal fans on Friday night with Gabriel Martinelli agreeing to commit his future to the club.
football.london understands that the Brazil international has agreed a new contract to extend his stay at the Emirates Stadium and all that remains is an official announcement that the four-and-a-half-year deal that is on the table has been penned.
This development comes as little surprise considering Martinelli's simple request from Arsenal: "I want to stay they just need to give me a pen," he revealed in early November. "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."
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According to some reports, the forward will be one of the club's highest earners at £180,000-a-week which would give him an annual salary of £9.3million. Now, whilst the reaction to Martinelli signing a new deal, on social media, has been largely positive, some supporters are already clamouring for further announcements.
Even though the Gunners have signed Leandro Kiwior and Leandro Trossard this month and are being linked with a move to Moises Caicedo, the breakthrough with Martinelli has prompted some supporters to demand that Bukayo Saka and William Saliba follow suit in the near future.
On Twitter, @tyler30841388 said: "Martinelli done. Saliba and Saka next", @Dredan22 had a similar message: "Martinelli signing a new contract is brilliant news. Hopefully next will be Saliba and Saka", and @KevTimoney said: "He found that pen. Big boost this, new deal for Martinelli. Saka and Saliba next would be nice".
In addition, @dylanwalsh_ said: "Absolutely fantastic news. Martinelli has been one of the best attackers in the Premier League this season and securing his future is huge for Arsenal. Saka and Saliba next" and @LionKingOnIce took it one step further by proposing a new arrival: "Martinelli done, Saka and Saliba next, get Caicedo in and it's looking good."
But what are the chances of these Arsenal supporters getting their wishes granted? Well, football.london rounds-up the latest contract news surrounding Saka and Saliba as well as what has Arteta said about how talks are progressing.
Bukayo Saka
football.london understands that Arsenal have activated a one-year extension option in Bukayo Saka's contract as the 21-year-old's deal was due to expire in the summer, but will now run until the summer of 2024 instead. However, there are plans to ensure the winger's long-term future is in north London.
The Gunners remained locked in talks with Saka over a potential extension and it is understood that they are progressing positively. Furthermore, noises coming from Arteta's side have reflected the confidence that Arsenal have over being able to agree fresh terms with their academy graduate
What Arteta has said: "I am very confident that we as a club and Bukayo, his family, his agent, everybody, we are very much aligned in what we want to achieve," the Spaniard said back in August. "And now it is about putting it on a piece of paper.
"I would like that to get done, because I don’t want the player or anybody distracted while we are in the middle of the season. But those things take time and they have to go through the right process, and I think the process has been really good."
William Saliba
Just like with Saka, football.london understands Arsenal triggered the option to extend William Saliba's contract by a further year which means his contract will also expire in the summer of 2024 instead of 2023, thus placing the club in a stronger position with regard to negotiations.
Despite reports of a contract offer being rejected and Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain keeping tabs on the situation, football.london also understands that talks are progressing well over a fresh deal in an attempt to secure the Frenchman's services for the long-term.
What Arteta has said: "What I know is that the player is really happy, the player wants to be here and that's the main thing," the Gunners manager told football.london prior to seeing his side record a 4-2 win over Brighton & Hove Albion. "We have a few of those that we are willing to extend the contract. Willy is one of them.
"I think he's shown in the months that he's been with us the quality and personality he has to play at the level that we want. We are trying to do that because we know he can be a really important part of our plans."
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