rewrite this title Saliba, Saka and Gabriel deals “agreed” but Arsenal risk losing £200k-p/w star

Arsenal trio Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba have sealed new contracts in a major boost for Mikel Arteta, according to a report, but the Spaniard still faces the prospect of losing a “massive” player.

Andrea Berta tasked with keeping vital Arsenal stars

As Gabriel attracts reported interest from Saudi Arabia, and Saliba’s links to Real Madrid refuse to go away, it is vital that new sporting director Andrea Berta cements the long-term futures of Arsenal’s star centre-back duo with Saka.

The Athletic recently reported that Arsenal have opened talks with Saliba over a new deal, and with Saka’s contract expiring in 2027, securing fresh terms for the latter is actually one of Berta’s top priorities.

“We will touch on several names, but I wanted to start with the top priority, which is absolutely Bukayo Saka,” said reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano on the Here We Go podcast last month.

“Bukayo Saka is out of contract in the summer of 2027, so it’s not something urgent, it’s not a worrying situation for Arsenal. But in general, Arsenal want to give a new contract to Bukayo Saka.

“So some contacts have already started. Now Bukayo and his agents will have the opportunity to meet with Andrea Berta to understand the strategy from the new director, and that’s always something important. You can start the conversation already months ago, of course, but then you need to speak to the new director to understand the view, to understand the project, and this is what’s going to happen with Bukayo Saka.”

All three Arsenal stars have played a pivotal role for Arteta since the beginning of 2022/2023 and beyond, with Gabriel and Saliba forming their stellar partnership around that time and Saka consistently standing out as England’s most exciting wide player.

Arsenal ‘agree’ Saka, Gabriel and Saliba deals but face Partey blow

According to Football Transfers, making a very bold claim this week, Arsenal have actually “already agreed” new deals for Saka, Gabriel and Saliba.

The outlet reports that they’re set to put pen to paper on extensions after progressive talks, which comes as some very good news for Berta and Arteta, but the same cannot be said for the reinvigorated Thomas Partey.

The £200,000-per-week midfielder has arguably enjoyed his best season to date at the Emirates, fighting his way back into Arteta’s starting eleven and bolstering a number of key positions, including right-back, in excellent fashion.

However, talks are yet to be resolved over the Ghanaian’s extension, and there is a realistic possibility that Arteta loses Partey when his current contract expires beyond June 30th.

While Arsenal have agreed to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, this scenario is one Arteta will still be keen to avoid.

“He’s a massive player for us, and he’s shown that week in, week out,” said Arteta on Partey’s resurgent 2024/2025 form.

“He’s started the season really well, really fit. The way he came back post-holiday was probably in the best condition that he’s been.”