Saka and Saliba’s stance over signing new Arsenal contracts made clear after Andrea Berta talks

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TBR Football can confirm that Arsenal chief Andrea Berta feels he is making ‘good’ progress over new deals for William Saliba and Bukayo Saka.

Talks with both players have been ongoing for over 12 months and became one of Berta’s priorities following his appointment as sporting director in March.

The Italian director, while masterminding Arsenal’s summer transfer offensive, was also making progress on their contracts that needed attention.

Whilst the contracts of Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri were finalised, it is the Saliba and Saka situations that have been looming large.

Exclusive: Andrea Berta makes good progress

Since taking charge earlier this year, Andrea Berta has held lengthy talks with both Bukayo Saka and William Saliba, and sources have now told TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey, that progress has been made on both fronts.

Both 24-year-olds have less than two years remaining on their current deals, and talks have centred around Arsenal’s futures plans, and few are better placed than Berta.

The pair are both set for significant wage increases and are believed to be impressed by Berta’s vision for the future of Arsenal, led by Mikel Arteta.

Speaking about the situation, Bailey told TBR Football: “Berta believes Arsenal’s summer plans have highlighted to both players that they are in the right place to fulfil their ambitions.

“The pair will both receive significant wage increases upon completion of their deals, and are understood to have been impressed with what Arsenal have done over the summer.

“Berta wants both done before the summer, but is believed to want both signed and sealed ahead of the January transfer window.”

Both players are currently sidelined, with Saliba suffering a knee injury in the warm-up at Anfield; meanwhile, Saka is out with a hamstring issue.

Cristhian Mosquera and Noni Madueke show Arsenal have future-proofed Saka and Saliba

Cristhian Mosquera and Noni Madueke were both Arsenal’s two standout performers against Nottingham Forest.

Martin Keown claimed Madueke is proving him wrong following his performances against both Forest and Liverpool.

Arsenal fans think Madueke could bench Saka when the winger eventually does make his return from injury.

Meanwhile, Mosquera has slotted into the Premier League seamlessly, having done well at Anfield and then again up against Forest.