Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has urged the club to continue tying down their best players to long-term deals to protect potential future success at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners are currently top of the Premier League table by two points after beating Aston Villa last weekend, with Manchester City drawing against Nottingham Forest.
Arsenal are preparing to take on Leicester City in a difficult test this weekend, but Arteta has provided positive updates on both Thomas Partey and Gabriel Jesus. The former has not featured in the last two games, whilst the latter has been absent since the Premier League resumed on Boxing Day.
Bukayo Saka has told the club that he wants to stay as the Gunners close in on securing their star player to a new contract, football.london understands. One of the next priorities at the club is thought to be securing William Saliba's long-term future after a spectacular first season at the Emirates Stadium after spending the last three campaigns out on loan.
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Speaking ahead of the trip to Leicester, Arteta said: "We want to keep our best players. The players we are developing."
When asked what Saka's new contract means for young players like him moving forward, Arteta responded: "That's what we have to do, that's our responsibility.
"To keep our best players, our best people. Those that have the same aims and same purposes as the club."
This may be taken as a hint to the club to tie down Saliba next after already securing agreements for Gabriel Martinelli and Saka this season. The French defender's current deal is set to expire in 2024 which could see a number of top sides try to prise Saliba away from north London this summer, unless a new contract is agreed with the 21-year-old.
After offering a reaction to the news that Saka has an agreement in principle to stay at the Emirates Stadium until 2028, Arteta explained how the team and training are helping protect the England international on the pitch. The Arsenal boss said: "I’m sure referees want to protect players in every game.
"There is a lot of focus on Bukayo, but we need to focus on what we can do as a team. Of course also the referees have a job."
"Hopefully not," Arteta replied when asked if Saka is one kick away from a serious injury. "We have train that - when to take certain balls, when to run, when to jump.
"We cannot control what the opponents are going to do, or the referee in a split second. We need to help him become a better player."
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