---
title: "Arsenal: Whelan backs Saka and Saliba for ‘massive’ new contracts"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/arsenal-saka-saliba-contract-news-rumours/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dominic Lund"
section: "Arsenal News"
published: "2023-02-07T17:45:36Z"
modified: "2023-02-07T17:45:36Z"
---

# Arsenal: Whelan backs Saka and Saliba for ‘massive’ new contracts

**[Arsenal](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/arsenal-fc-news/)‘s Bukayo Saka and [William Saliba](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/tag/william-saliba/) are both deserving of ‘massive’ new deals, according to pundit Noel Whelan.**

### The Lowdown: What’s the current situation?

At the beginning of January, the Gunners [extended](https://www.espn.co.uk/football/soccer-transfers/story/4842785/arsenal-extend-bukayo-sakawilliam-saliba-contracts-by-a-year-amid-long-term-negotiations-sources) the contracts of both players by an additional year, amid continuing talks about new long-term deals.

Both contracts are now set to expire in [2025](https://www.spotrac.com/epl/arsenal-fc/contracts/), but it is important that Mikel Arteta gets them tied down for the foreseeable future, with Manchester City [interested](https://www.givemesport.com/88111479-man-city-manchester-city-pep-guardiola-interest-bukayo-saka-arsenal-premier-league-transfer-rumours-etihad) in Saka, and Saliba already [turning down](https://www.espn.co.uk/football/soccer-transfers/story/4854525/arsenal-to-step-up-talks-on-new-william-saliba-long-term-contract-sources) one proposal from Arsenal.

### The Latest: Whelan reacts

Speaking to [Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/pundit-in-no-doubt-about-bukayo-saka-deal-as-arsenal-reach-41-2m-agreement/) in the wake of Gabriel Martinelli [committing](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12801759/gabriel-martinelli-arsenal-forward-signs-new-contract-with-premier-league-leaders-until-2027#:~:text=Arsenal%20forward%20Gabriel%20Martinelli%20has,option%20for%20an%20additional%20year.) his future to the club, Whelan urged Arsenal to seek a similar agreement with the aforementioned duo, saying:*“Martinelli 100% deserves a contract with the season he’s having.*

*“But it’s about Saliba and Saka now. That is two integral parts of the squad.*

*“They’ve got to go all out to get them signed up.*

*“I think the sticking point was about Champions League qualification, but they’re 100% going to be playing in that competition next season.*

*“And that’s if they don’t go one step further and win the league.*

*“There’s no doubt that they look both happy and they deserve a massive new deal for what they’ve brought to this club.”*

### The Verdict: Get it done

Recently [lauded](https://twitter.com/GaryLineker/status/1617216667506933761?s=20&t=sEba44vCpn1hyiWpPpAqRQ) as ‘wonderfully talented’ by Gary Lineker, Saka has been nothing short of fantastic for Arsenal over the past two campaigns, scoring [11](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/bukayo-saka/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/433177) [Premier League](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league-news/) goals last term, while this season he has already matched the previous season’s output of [seven](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/bukayo-saka/leistungsdaten/spieler/433177) assists in the top flight.

Transfer insider Dean Jones told [GIVEMESPORT](https://www.givemesport.com/88111548-arsenal-vultures-will-be-circling-for-70k-a-week-bukayo-saka-at-emirates) earlier this month that ‘vultures will be circling’ for the winger if there’s ‘any signs of discontent’, so it is important that the Gunners move swiftly, before a rival club spots a window of opportunity.

At the other end of the pitch, Saliba has emerged as a key player for Arteta this season, making the centre-back spot his own, having appeared [20](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/william-saliba/leistungsdaten/spieler/495666) times in the Premier League, helping his side on their way to the [second-best](https://www.premierleague.com/stats/top/clubs/goals_conceded) defensive record in the division.

Considering he has already rebuffed one offer from Arsenal, it is paramount that the 21-year-old is tied down to a new deal before he grows frustrated, as given his age, he could be a vital cog in the backline for years to come.