As Arsenal fans await an announcement with regard to the signing of Mykhaylo Mudryk, it's worth remembering that this isn't the only deal manager Mikel Arteta, sporting director Edu Gaspar and Director of Football Operations Richard Garlick are working on at the moment.
With that said, it would appear that wrapping up a £75m-£80m transfer for the Ukraine international is the priority following a breakthrough in negotiations with Shakhtar Donetsk. After seeing two bids rejected, football.london understands that the Gunners are edging ever closer to completing a deal with talks between the two clubs now focusing on potential add-ons.
Once Arsenal confirm Mudryk as their first signing of the January transfer window, Arteta and Edu, in particular, can turn their attention to other business with it being reported that the pair have already decided on their next move - Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda.
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Whether links to the teenager are concrete remains to be seen, but it's already been confirmed that the north London outfit are in talks for a triple deal that will surely excite supporters just as much as signing Mudryk, especially if there is an announcement before the end of the month.
Now, the aforementioned Garlick, whose main role entails negotiating contracts with both existing and new players, is working hard to secure the long-term futures of Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli.
But what is the latest on the Arsenal trio? Who is close to signing a new deal? What has Arteta said about how talks are progressing and what is the club's stance regarding a dream scenario where all three put pen to paper in the very near future? Well, football.london takes a look below.
Bukayo Saka
Latest: football.london understands that Arsenal have activated a one-year extension option in Bukayo Saka's contract as the 21-year-old's deal was due to expire in the summer, but will now run until the summer of 2024 instead. However, there are plans to ensure the winger's long-term future is in north London.
The Gunners remained locked in talks with Saka over a potential extension and it is understood that they are progressing positively. Furthermore, noises coming from Arteta's side have reflected the confidence that Arsenal have over being able to agree fresh terms with their academy graduate
What Arteta has said: "I am very confident that we as a club and Bukayo, his family, his agent, everybody, we are very much aligned in what we want to achieve," the Spaniard said back in August. "And now it is about putting it on a piece of paper.
"I would like that to get done, because I don’t want the player or anybody distracted while we are in the middle of the season. But those things take time and they have to go through the right process, and I think the process has been really good."
William Saliba
Latest: Just like with Saka, football.london understands Arsenal triggered the option to extend William Saliba's contract by a further year which means his contract will also expire in the summer of 2024 instead of 2023, thus placing the club in a stronger position with regard to negotiations.
Despite reports of Paris-Saint Germain monitoring the defender's development after an impressive first half of the season, football.london also understands that talks are progressing well over a fresh deal in an attempt to secure the Frenchman's services for the long-term.
What Arteta has said: "What I know is that the player is really happy, the player wants to be here and that's the main thing," the Gunners manager told football.london prior to seeing his side record a 4-2 win over Brighton & Hove Albion. "We have a few of those that we are willing to extend the contract. Willy is one of them.
"I think he's shown in the months that he's been with us the quality and personality he has to play at the level that we want. We are trying to do that because we know he can be a really important part of our plans."
Gabriel Martinelli
Latest: It appeared that the Brazilian was going to be the first of the trio to commit his future to the club. This is after Spanish publication SPORT last month claimed Gabriel Martinelli was 'close' to signing a new contract until 2027, with the Daily Mail adding that the winger will see his wages almost triple to £200,000-a-week.
However, there is yet to be any announcement. Martinelli's current deal expires in the summer of 2024 and football.london understands that Arsenal have the option to extend it by a further two years - thus taking it to 2026 - but the feeling is that they are confident of agreeing fresh terms with the winger.
What Arteta has said: "No, no news," Arteta said (whilst smiling) during his pre-West Ham United press conference at London Colney before Christmas. "Extremely happy with him, I think he had a great experience at the World Cup with the Brazilian national team and you can keep asking in the next few weeks."
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