Arsenal make triple contract decision as Mikel Arteta rewards key squad player

The Gunners are expected to trigger an option in Mohamed Elneny’s contract to extend his deal by a further 12 months.

Elneny, 30, who is currently taking his UEFA B coaching course alongside Granit Xhaka, has been ruled out for several months after undergoing surgery on his knee.

It’s understood his injury won’t affect Arsenal’s decision to lengthen his contract with manager Mikel Arteta a keen admirer of his professionalism and leadership qualities.

Meanwhile, Gabriel Martinelli is set to sign a new long-term contract which will keep him at the club until 2027, while talks with William Saliba’s representative have been positive amid the Frenchman entering the final 12 months of his contract in the summer.

In addition to Martinelli and Saliba, talks are ongoing with Bukayo Saka who looks set to be rewarded for his excellent form for club and country this season.

Arsenal had already activated a one-year extension in Saka’s contract until 2024, but a fresh bumper long-term deal is being worked on.

“I am very confident that we as a club, Bukayo and his family and agent are all aligned,” said Arteta.

“Now it’s about putting that on a piece of paper. I would like that to get done because I don’t want players to be distracted in the season. But these things take time.”

Arteta’s side return to Premier League action on Saturday when they face Everton at Goodison Park.