Arteta Confident Saka and Saliba Will Commit Future to Arsenal

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence that key players Bukayo Saka and William Saliba will sign new contracts, stating that both “want to be a big part” of the club’s future as negotiations continue.

Saka and Saliba, both 24, are considered vital to Arsenal’s long-term plans, with their current deals set to expire in the summer of 2027. The club has made it a priority to secure their futures following a transfer window in which they spent an estimated £300 million to strengthen the squad.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Saturday’s Premier League match against Nottingham Forest, Arteta confirmed that discussions were ongoing and being led by Sporting Director Edu Gaspar.

“That never stops,” Arteta said of the contract talks. “The collaboration around the club with what Edu is doing and the agents is very good. The good thing is the players want to remain here, and they want to be a big part of the history of this club over the next few years.”

His comments echo sentiments previously expressed by the players.

During a pre-season tour, Saliba stated he would “hopefully” agree to new terms, while Saka has publicly affirmed his desire to “win wearing this [Arsenal’s] badge.” The club has already secured several other young talents, including Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, to new long-term contracts.

However, the positive long-term outlook is tempered by immediate fitness concerns. Arteta confirmed that Saka has been ruled out of the Nottingham Forest fixture with a hamstring injury. Saliba, who has been nursing an ankle issue, remains a doubt despite participating in Friday’s training session.

The match at the Emirates Stadium will be Ange Postecoglou’s first in charge of Forest. Arteta, who has won his last three encounters against the former Tottenham manager, praised his counterpart’s distinct tactical identity.

“His biggest strength is the way he has been. He has put his fingerprints on the team,” Arteta said. “He has a very clear way of playing, a very clear DNA. Extremely good to watch, learn a lot from him. It will be a very difficult game.”