Arsenal are now considering handing Gabriel Magalhaes a new contract alongside Bukayo Saka, with talks with the England star set to start during the summer at the absolute latest.
That’s according to CBS, who note the Gunners have set the deadline to open negotiations with Saka as after his summer break. The Emirates Stadium natives do not want to let the situation to drag on, having yet begun formal talks with the 20-year-old’s representatives.
Saka is happy in north London and relishes the key presence he has in Mikel Arteta’s plans. The Hale Ender has featured 33 times in all competitions so far this season, while scoring 10 and creating five goals. He has played in all 28 of the Gunners’ Premier League fixtures.
Arsenal have plans in place over the potential terms of Saka’s new contract. The Sun note technical director Edu is prepared to quadruple his £30k-a-week wage to circa £125k-a/w. Arteta has also made Saka’s new contract his priority to ward off any chances of a transfer.
Arsenal now mulling new Gabriel contract alongside Bukayo Saka talks
Saka is not the only Arsenal star who may be in line for a new contract this year, though, as Edu and Arteta are also now mulling Gabriel’s long-term future. The Gunners’ £23m arrival from LOSC Lille has three years left on the £50k-a/w terms he agreed upon joining in 2020.
Arsenal are weighing up an early extension for the 24-year-old as reward for his impressive season. The Brazilian has struck a strong partnership with Ben White since the England ace arrived from Brighton last summer. He also impressed beside David Luiz in his debut term.
But a new deal for the centre-half Arteta calls ‘terrific’ is far down Edu’s list of priorities at the Emirates. The Arsenal chief may rely on Gabriel being under contract for another three years to focus on the renewals of other stars, such as Saka, before locking his future down.
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