Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has made his feelings clear behind-the-scenes about the potential departure of a big-name player in January.
Arsenal make key decisions on player futures amid Premier League title race
The Gunners are moving to lock down squad members who they view as pivotal for the long-term.
Sporting director Andrea Berta, in a major boost for the Premier League title chasers, convinced star defender William Saliba to commit his long-term future to the club, with the Frenchman signing a new deal until 2030.
The move reflects Saliba’s importance to Arsenal as a cornerstone of their defence for years to come, rewarding his consistent performances and growth, whilst also thwarting Real Madrid’s interest in the 24-year-old as Xabi Alonso’s side are forced to look elsewhere.
In addition to Saliba, goalkeeper David Raya has also agreed to improved terms, reinforcing Arsenal’s commitment to keeping a strong and reliable last line of defence.
Raya’s improved terms with no actual extension, while not announced by the club, highlights Arteta’s desire to reward his players for their excellent form, with the Spaniard proving invaluable between Arsenal’s sticks after back-to-back Golden Glove awards.
The former Brentford shot-stopper has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world since joining the North Londoners, and it is vital he maintains this level if Arsenal are to win their first Premier League title in over 20 years.
Rank
Player
Age
Club
Nation
1
Gianluigi Donnarumma
26
Man City
Italy
2
Alisson
33
Liverpool
Brazil
3
David Raya
30
Arsenal
Spain
4
Jan Oblak
32
Atletico Madrid
Slovenia
5
Diogo Costa
25
FC Porto
Portugal
Beyond those deals, Arsenal are currently engaged in ongoing talks with several other vital squad members.
Bukayo Saka remains a high priority, as the club looks to secure the long-term future of their talismanic winger who has become central to their attacking threat.
Similarly, discussions are underway with defensive stalwart Jurrien Timber, who has impressed with his versatility, defensive solidity and consistency since recovering from his debut season ACL injury.
Midfield maestros Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice have also held talks with Berta over new deals, with Arsenal eager to keep both big names at the heart of their team.
However, the long-term future of £265,000-per-week striker Gabriel Jesus remains far more uncertain.
Arsenal tell Gabriel Jesus he could leave with Mikel Arteta feelings clear
The Brazil international suffered an ACL rupture just as he was enjoying a real purple patch of form midway through 2024/2025, but with his own terms expiring in under two years, Arsenal have told Jesus his January exit is a real possibility.
The former Man City star, once back to full fitness, will have to contend with the likes of Kai Havertz and summer signing Viktor Gyokeres for a place in Arteta’s starting eleven.
Jesus can play on the wing, but Arsenal are also looking pretty strong out wide, so doubts surround whether he really has a place in the team anymore.
The ex-Palmeiras sensation has bagged 26 goals and 20 assists in just under a century of appearances for Arsenal and showcased his worth to Arteta on more than one occasion, but he was never the reliable scorer that they craved up top.
Despite being called a “frightening” player by those who’ve trained alongside him, like Jack Grealish, the writing appears on the wall for Jesus.
As interested sides stand up and take note of his availability, it is believed that his preference is to remain in Europe despite reports linking the forward with a return to Brazil.