Arsenal ‘closing in’ on new deal for “world class” star in major boost to Arteta

Arsenal are closing in on a new deal for Aaron Ramsdale as the club looks to build on this term’s success.

The Gunners travel to Newcastle on Sunday four points adrift of Manchester City at the Premier League summit, having played a game more than their title rivals.

But a win will be hard to come by on Tyneside. Newcastle have claimed eight wins from their last nine Premier League fixtures and are well on course to claim a Champions League place.

Of course, given Manchester City’s imperious form, it seems unlikely Arsenal will claim their first title in 19 years this season.

In turn, the Gunners have one eye on next season, having been linked with big-money moves for the likes of Declan Rice and Moussa Diaby in the summer.

Arteta is also looking to secure the club’s most valuable player to new deals.

Aaron Ramsdale close to new contract

Aaron Ramsdale, who the BBC’s Garth Crooks described as “world-class” earlier this season, is closing in on a new Arsenal contract, alongside star winger Bukayo Saka.

Telegraph journalist Sam Dean said: “Arteta wants to retain a young British core, with Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale both close to agreeing new contracts.”

Despite a recent dip in form, Ramsdale has been imperious for much of the season, having claimed 12 clean sheets in his 34 Premier League appearances.

However, there is still much uncertainty regarding the future of William Saliba.

On the matter, Dean tweeted: “Arsenal are yet to make significant progress in contract negotiations with William Saliba.

“Arteta says it’s an issue of ‘timing’ and insists that [Arsenal] are ‘doing everything we possibly can’”.

The France international’s current contract expires in 2024, meaning he has a little over a year left on the deal.

Saliba has been out of action since March with a back problem and remains injured for the clash with Newcastle this weekend. It is a doubt whether the 22-year-old will even play again this term.

“Not a lot of progress,” Arteta said of Saliba’s fitness. “He’s feeling better every day but he’s not been able still to have any activity around the first team so we don’t expect him to be with us.”