27 February 2023 , 12:03
1176
0
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has insisted the Gunners need to devote all their attention to extending the contract of William Saliba amid reports Bukayo Saka has signed a new deal.
Those at the top of the Arsenal hierarchy have clearly been putting in the hard graft to try and tie down a number of the club's young stars. Gabriel Martinelli has seen his extension confirmed, with the Brazilian now tied to the Emirates until the summer of 2027, with the option to extend for a further year.
Saka is reportedly next in line, with the England ace thought to be on the verge of putting pen to paper on a new deal that will see the 21-year-old become one of the highest earners at the club as a reflection of his sensational form this season.
While Wright is pleased that Saka is set to stay, he explained how that was always a likely outcome given the forward's ties to Arsenal having graduated from the Gunners' famed Hale-End academy.
Instead, he is now hoping Mikel Arteta and co. focus on tying down Saliba, the third young Gunner who is currently keeping the club waiting when it comes to committing to his future.
Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured
"But you look at him [Saliba] now, the way he has started the season and the way he plays, It's fantastic," Wright explained. "He's a full international off the back of it.
William Saliba is yet to sign a new deal at Arsenal (Getty Images)HAVE YOUR SAY! Are Arsenal at risk of losing Saliba? Comment below
"People talking about Saka signing a new deal, and we know how much we need Saka. I don’t think there was any real problems with that happening because of his connection with the club.
"But I think all the eggs need to go in the Saliba basket. We have got to make sure we keep this guy."
This seems to also be the viewpoint of manager Arteta, who discussed the club's recent contractual updates before Saturday's win at Leicester and gave a particularly pointed answer.
"We want to keep our best players," Arteta declared. "The players we are developing.
"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."
Saliba's current deal expires in the summer of 2024 after Arsenal activated the option to extend it by another 12 months.