It's been a fortnight of major developments at Arsenal with Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Saka signing new contracts in addition to a breakthrough with regard to Reiss Nelson.
The winger's deal is up at the end of next month and having previously rejected multiple offers to extend his stay in north London, football.london understands that an agreement has finally been reached between all parties with a new four-year contract to be signed.
As a result of tying up two contract extensions this month as well as striking a deal with Nelson, it allows Gunners manager Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu Gaspar to focus on ensuring further key first-team players commit their future to the club in the coming weeks and months.
READ MORE: Transfer needs, Emirates Stadium blues and tactical tweaks: 5 Arsenal lessons from 2022/23
Luckily, football.london understands plans are in motion for exactly that as Arsenal are preparing for contract talks with captain Martin Odegaard. The Norway international's deal is currently due to expire in the summer of 2025, and although there is an option to extend it by a further 12 months, the club are keen to act quickly to offer him terms that are in keeping with his status at the club.
Meanwhile, talks are still ongoing to extend William Saliba's contract which is due to expire at the end of next season as things stand but Arteta is in no doubt that he wants the Frenchman to stay put.
"We want to keep our best talent," he told reporters earlier in the month. "Especially the players that deserve some recognition. I think he has been incredible since he came back from his loan period and we want to reward him, that is for sure. We will find the right moment to do that.
"Obviously Edu and the board are on top of every negotiation regarding new contracts and now we are doing everything we possibly can to do that in the right moment at the right time. The communication and the relationship is super. It is about timing, I think. Nothing else."
Aside from contract negotiations, this summer will be about overhauling the first-team squad in preparation for their return to the Champions League and mounting another Premier League title challenge next season and one, of many, potential incomings is Declan Rice as football.london understands he is the priority signing.
With that said, there are a few deals concerning outgoings that have already been decided. Firstly, Granit Xhaka is in advanced talks over a £13million transfer to Bayer Leverkusen, although Arteta has intimated that any announcements will not be taking place until after the season is wrapped up against Wolves.
"No. I cannot talk and I won't talk about any future of any players or members of staff," the Spaniard said in the pre-match press conference at London Colney on Friday afternoon. "We have to wrap up the season, do what we have to do and then we still start to plan the following season."
Having said that, Ainsley Maitland-Niles has already revealed he is to leave on a free when his contract expires next month and Pablo Mari is to join Monza permanently for £5.9million due to a clause in his loan agreement. Therefore, all that remains is official confirmation with regard to both departures.
Who is your Arsenal player of the season? Have your say by voting below!
READ NEXT:
Arsenal's next Bukayo Saka in line for big Wolves chance after 'ruining defender' in training
Three things that will 'definitely' happen to Arsenal if Chelsea land £130m Victor Osimhen deal
Arsenal have bid for perfect Ben White backup rejected as Edu told to pay £21.7m asking price
Arsenal transfer target prepares for huge transfer with Jack Grealish repeat
Arsenal news and transfer LIVE: All the latest updates from the Emirates Stadium
