It’s been an excellent day for all concerned at Arsenal, following the big news today that defender William Saliba is poised to commit his future, but as one star prepares to sign an extension, another is eyeing the exit door.
William Saliba on the verge of signing new deal in boost for Arsenal
The Frenchman’s contract was due to expire in 2027, dealing a major worry for Mikel Arteta amid interest from Real Madrid.
Saliba rejected Arsenal’s initial proposal, but the Gunners have since made an improved attempt to tie the defender down, which is now on the verge of being accepted as sporting director Andrea Berta successfully thwarts Real in their pursuit of a star centre-back.
His new deal will run until 2030, and Saliba is expected to put pen to paper in the next few days, as per David Ornstein who originally broke the news.
Jurrien Timber
7
William Saliba
4
Jeremy Doku
4
Riccardo Calafiori
3
Declan Rice
2
via WhoScored
According to other previous reports, this offer could make Saliba one of Arsenal’s highest earners, with journalist Dean Jones reporting that his salary may increase to around £300,000-per-week – putting him above the likes of Kai Havertz (£280k), Gabriel Jesus (£265k), Martin Odegaard (£240k), Declan Rice (£240k) and summer signing Viktor Gyokeres (£200k).
Speaking of Jesus, who remains in rehab after tearing his ACL in January, an update has now come to light on his future.
The Brazil international picked up a season-ending injury at a terrible time midway through last season, just as he was hitting a purple patch of form, and the arrival of Gyokeres this summer has pushed him further down Arteta’s pecking order.
Once Havertz also returns from his knee problem, there will be hardly any room for the 28-year-old, who was signed from Man City for £45 million in 2022.
Gabriel Jesus ready to green-light Arsenal exit in January
According to journalist Mark Brus, via The Daily Briefing, Jesus is ready to green-light an Arsenal exit in January, and is tempted by the prospect of a return to Brazil as he looks to battle his way into Carlo Ancelotti’s 2026 World Cup squad.
Everton and West Ham have made approaches for the forward too, but that is as far as it has gone thus far. Berta and Arsenal are also prepared to grant Jesus a leave, as the north Londoners want to get his sky-high wages off the salary bill.
Why Arsenal must sell Gabriel Jesus
The South American has always delivered his best effort in red and white with a ferocious work rate, but the presence of Gyokeres and Havertz unfortunately negates any need for him.
His versatility has also been valuable. However, it is hard enough for Arteta to give super subs Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard enough deserved game time without throwing Jesus into the mix, so a transfer is definitely best for all parties.
According to ex-Premier League scout Mick Brown, Berta is indeed “ready” to accept suitable bids.
“Now that they’ve got Gyokeres there and Havertz to come back as well, it doesn’t feel like there’s a place for him in the side,” Brown told Football Insider.
“I expect they’ll be wanting to accept offers in January, because Arteta doesn’t see him as part of his plans, and he’s going to want to play regular football.
“I hear they’re ready to let him go, and I expect he’ll make that move in January if the right offer comes in for him.”