Arsenal prioritising new contract for star amid Manchester City rumours

Arsenal were handed a boost on Friday as Gabriel Martinelli signed a new long-term contract with the club. 

The Gunners announced in a statement that the Brazilian forward had committed his future to the club, with the deal believed to run until 2027 with the option of a further 12 months.

Now, the Premier League leaders are believed to be prioritising new contracts for two other young stars.

According to TalkSPORT, the club will soon look to tie Bukayo Saka down to a new long-term deal, amid reported interest from Manchester City.

The England international, who was outstanding at the World Cup in Qatar, is believed to be on the radar of the reigning Premier League champions, and Arsenal therefore want to ensure he commits his future to his current employers.

Saka’s superb form has helped propel Arsenal to the summit of the league table this season.

Mikel Arteta’s side currently sit five points clear at the top of the table, with a game-in-hand on second place City.

Saka, 21, has scored seven goals and provided the same number of assists in the league so far this term, with his form proving crucial to Arsenal’s record-breaking first-half of the season.

Saka is in line for a new deal at The Emirates

The forward’s current contract runs until the summer of 2024, which puts Arsenal under a little bit of pressure to agree an extension before this summer’s transfer window.

Talks are said to have been ongoing since the start of this season, but the two parties are yet to find a breakthrough.

Despite a lack of progression on talks, Arsenal are said to be confident that Saka will remain in north London.

It is also claimed that The Gunners will look to agree a new deal with defender William Saliba, who has formed a strong partnership with Gabriel at the heart of their defence.

The Frenchman joined Arsenal back in 2019 but had a number of loan spells in his homeland before making his debut this season.

He has started all 19 of Arsenal’s league games this term, and the club are keen to extend his current deal, which is due to expire next summer.