Arsenal's Mikel Arteta Delivers Boost on Bukayo Saka and William Saliba Deals:'Talks Are Very, Very Good' as Gunners Eye Long-Term Commitments
London, September 12, 2025 – Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided an encouraging update on contract negotiations for star duo Bukayo Saka and William Saliba, describing the discussions as "very, very good" and highlighting the players' desire to stay and build history at the Emirates. With both talents out of contract in 2027, securing their futures is a top priority for the Gunners as they chase Premier League glory.
"The good thing is the players want to remain here and they want to be a big part of the history of this club," Arteta said in his pre-match briefing ahead of Saturday's visit to Nottingham Forest. Insider reports suggest the talks are progressing smoothly, with Arsenal confident of agreeing bumper extensions to ward off interest from rival clubs. Saka, the 23-year-old England international, has been a standout performer despite a recent hamstring injury sustained on international duty, while 24-year-old defender Saliba has emerged as one of Europe's elite center-backs.
Arteta also shared positive injury news: Saliba has returned to full training after an ankle tweak in the loss to Liverpool and could feature against Forest. "Willi trained today, so we have a decision to make whether we play him or not. Very good news," the Spaniard noted. Saka, however, remains sidelined but is "evolving really well" in his recovery program, with a potential return for upcoming Champions League fixtures against Athletic Bilbao or Manchester City. "The moment that we increase that load, let’s see how he reacts," Arteta cautioned.
These developments are music to Arsenal fans' ears, especially after a summer of squad reinforcement. With Ben White fully fit and Kai Havertz progressing from knee surgery, Arteta could welcome up to four players back for the Forest game. Extending Saka and Saliba would solidify the core of a team that's ended a long title drought and now eyes sustained dominance.
"The good thing is the players want to remain here and they want to be a big part of the history of this club," Arteta said in his pre-match briefing ahead of Saturday's visit to Nottingham Forest. Insider reports suggest the talks are progressing smoothly, with Arsenal confident of agreeing bumper extensions to ward off interest from rival clubs. Saka, the 23-year-old England international, has been a standout performer despite a recent hamstring injury sustained on international duty, while 24-year-old defender Saliba has emerged as one of Europe's elite center-backs.
Arteta also shared positive injury news: Saliba has returned to full training after an ankle tweak in the loss to Liverpool and could feature against Forest. "Willi trained today, so we have a decision to make whether we play him or not. Very good news," the Spaniard noted. Saka, however, remains sidelined but is "evolving really well" in his recovery program, with a potential return for upcoming Champions League fixtures against Athletic Bilbao or Manchester City. "The moment that we increase that load, let’s see how he reacts," Arteta cautioned.
These developments are music to Arsenal fans' ears, especially after a summer of squad reinforcement. With Ben White fully fit and Kai Havertz progressing from knee surgery, Arteta could welcome up to four players back for the Forest game. Extending Saka and Saliba would solidify the core of a team that's ended a long title drought and now eyes sustained dominance.
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