Arsenal closing in on huge new deals for two players

Arsenal will need Manchester City to drop points at least twice in the final weeks of the season if they are to win the Premier League title this season. 

The Gunners, who lead the table for much of the season, currently sit second, just one point behind the reigning champions.

They have played one game more than City, though, and will therefore need the Citizens to drop points twice in their final four games if they are to have any chance of lifting the trophy for the first time in almost two decades.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta will undoubtedly be pleased with his side’s campaign so far, though, regardless of the fact that they may have to settle for second place.

The north London outfit have already secured a place in next season’s Champions League, providing stark contract to last term when a late blip in form allowed rivals Tottenham Hotspur to leapfrog them into fourth spot.

Now, it appears that Arsenal could soon be handed more good news.

As per Football Insider, the Gunners are close to agreeing big money contract extensions with both Bukayo Saka and William Saliba.

The pair have both played crucial roles for Arteta’s side so far this season and are now set to be rewarded with improved deals.

Saliba and Saka are both believed to be close to agreeing new contracts with Arsenal

Saka, 21, is a product of Arsenal’s academy and has become an integral part of the first team over the past few seasons.

This term he has scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions, and the report claims that his current employers are now confident of agreeing an extension to his current deal.

The winger’s contract is currently set to expire next summer, meaning he would be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with any foreign club in January.

Arsenal have therefore moved to ensure he stays put, and they are also confident of tying Saliba down to a new deal.

The centre-back joined the Gunners from French side St-Etienne in 2019 but returned to the club on loan and has since spent time with both Nice and Marseille.

He was drafted back into the first team squad at The Emirates at the start of the current campaign, though, and has since had a remarkable impact on Arteta’s side.

The defender has made 33 appearances across all competitions and formed a strong partnership with Gabriel at the heart of Arsenal’s defence, but the Gunners’ form has dipped since he suffered an injury in March.

Earlier this season, Arsenal tied forward Gabriel Martinelli down to a new long-term contract, and it appears that they could soon do the same with both Saka and Saliba.