Arteta not afraid of losing Arsenal stars

Arteta believes Arsenal can keep their young stars (Focus Images)

PREMIER LEAGUE Arteta not afraid of losing Arsenal stars

Ayoola Kelechi 11:12 - 04.02.2023

After Martinelli extending Martinelli's contract until 2027, Arteta wants Arsenal to do the same with other young stars

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has given updates about the future of some Arsenal players who are expected to follow in the footsteps of Gabriel Martinelli by committing their long-term futures to the club. 

Arsenal looking to tie Saka and Saliba to new contracts

Prodigious midfielder Bukayo Saka and French defender William Saliba have contracts until 2024, prompting concerns that they could decide to wait out their contracts or push for moves away from the club soon. Still, Arteta is confident that the club can keep its best players, provided they can keep them happy. 

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Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s tie with Everton, Arteta said, “I see everybody really happy, really willing to continue at the club. We have to meet everybody’s expectations and timing is key on that.” 

He also said that the club is doing everything within their power to ensure that the new deals are agreed upon to keep their best players for a long time. 

“Part of the plan is to extend the contracts of our biggest talents at the club and commit them for the future. We are trying to do that. We have started with Gabi, which is good news. The others will be done whenever we can, but we have to agree on that.”

Arsenal pushing for the title with young core

Arsenal recently tied Martinelli to a 4.5-year deal which should keep him at the club until 2027, and they will hope that they can do the same with their other youngsters, Saka and Saliba, who have also been key to Arsenal’s title challenge this season. 

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The major protagonists of Arsenal’s race to a first Premier League title include the afore mentioned 21-year-olds, Saka, Martinelli, and Saliba, and also includes 23-year-old Eddie Nketiah, and 24-year-olds, Martin Odegaard, Aaron Ramsdale, and Takehiro Tomiyasu. 

Their young core means that Arsenal could become a dominant force for years to come if they manage to stay together, so it is understandable that the club is doing everything in their power to tie them down to longterm deals.

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