Arsenal confident over new Saka & Saliba contracts after Andrea Berta talks

Arsenal are reportedly making positive progress in their bid to tie down Bukayo Saka and William Saliba to new long-term contracts.

The pair remain two of Mikel Arteta’s most important players and, with both having less than two years left on their current deals, securing their futures has been one of sporting director Andrea Berta’s top priorities since his arrival in March.

Berta pushing deals forward

Sporting director Andrea Berta, who took charge earlier this year, has been praised for his early efficiency in handling renewals. Since his appointment, Arsenal have tied down Gabriel Magalhães, while academy starlets Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly have also signed new long-term contracts.

He is now faced with the two most important renewals however, Bukayo Saka and William Saliba. According to multiple reports, Berta has held lengthy talks with both players, with discussions centering on Arsenal’s long-term project and how each player fits into the club’s ambitions.

Both Saka and Saliba are expected to receive significant wage increases and are understood to be impressed by Berta’s vision for the future at Arsenal, alongside the investment already made in the squad this summer.

TBR Football correspondent Graeme Bailey today quoted the following from a 'source':

“The pair will both receive significant wage increases upon completion of their deals, and are understood to have been impressed with what Arsenal have done over the summer.

“Berta wants both done before the summer, but is believed to want both signed and sealed ahead of the January transfer window.”

Positive signs from Saka’s camp

According to Charles Watts, writing for CaughtOffside, discussions with Saka and his representatives are progressing smoothly. The England winger — currently sidelined with a hamstring issue — is said to be happy with Arsenal’s direction and is expected to commit his prime years to the club.

Importantly, Arsenal want to avoid the drawn-out saga that surrounded Saka’s previous renewal, and all signals from both sides suggest a resolution could arrive sooner rather than later.

Saliba talks ‘more complex’ but on track

The situation with Saliba is described as slightly more complicated but still moving positively. The Frenchman has become a cornerstone of Arteta’s defence, and Arsenal view his commitment as absolutely crucial to the long-term project.

With Europe’s elite clubs monitoring his situation closely, finalising a deal sooner rather than later would remove any risk of unwanted distractions in the coming transfer windows.

Berta's early influence

For Arsenal, tying down Saka and Saliba is as important as any signing. Saka’s camp is giving off positive signals, while Saliba’s talks are ongoing but heading in the right direction.

If Berta delivers on both, Arsenal will have secured the future of two players regarded as the backbone of Arteta’s project. More than just renewals, it would send a powerful message across Europe: Arsenal are building to compete at the very top — and they’re keeping all their best talent to do it.

The summer additions and ambition in the transfer market have shown both players that Arsenal are serious about competing at the very top. Now the challenge is to turn that ambition into trophies. If Arsenal can lift silverware this season — it will only strengthen the case for Saka and Saliba to commit their peak years to the Emirates.