Arsenal are currently undergoing preparations for the new season in Singapore, whilst engaging with the club’s substantial fanbase in the Southeast Asia region.
The Gunners take on Newcastle at the country’s National Stadium on Sunday, before flying to Hong Kong to face bitter rivals Tottenham next week.
Mikel Arteta’s side beat AC Milan 1-0 in their opening pre-season clash on Wednesday, courtesy of a second-half strike from Bukayo Saka.
In the background, while the squad train halfway across the world, Andrea Berta is working on incoming deals for the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze, as well as a host of other important matters.
Bukayo Saka laughs as fan tells William Saliba to sign a new contract
Myles Lewis-Skelly signed a new long-term contract earlier this summer, before Gabriel Magalhaes also put pen to paper on a new deal.
Ethan Nwaneri is now expected to follow suit, with Berta already securing the commitment of three crucial players in his short spell in North London thus far.
However, the Italian sporting director is seemingly yet to convince Saka or William Saliba to sign new contracts, with both players now entering the final 24 months of their current deals.
While there is little concern over Saka’s commitment, Real Madrid are interested in Saliba, which will inevitably worry the Gunners faithful.
With the Arsenal players enjoying a day out in Singapore, one fan took the opportunity to tell the Frenchman to sign a new deal, which prompted both Saka and Reiss Nelson to laugh.
The supporter urged the defender to commit his future to the Gunners, shouting, “Saliba, sign the contract, sign the contract!”
Saka and Nelson can be seen visibly laughing in the background as the group of players walk off, followed by several other fans.
Bukayo Saka’s reaction to William Saliba encounter could be good news for Arsenal fans
While the encounter with the fan means little in regard to whether Saliba will actually put pen to paper, it could be perceived to be a good sign.
Saka’s hysterical reaction potentially indicates that the players are relaxed about the outcome, and that a deal could actually be advanced on this front.
The Gunners’ talisman will no doubt be desperate for the imperious centre-back to remain in N5, and such a chilled response would be slightly unusual if he was seriously concerned about Real Madrid’s reported interest.
That said, the allure of the bright lights of the Bernabeu will always present clubs with an issue, and there have been few concrete reports that suggest that Saliba is close to signing a new deal.
However, it’s clearly a situation that isn’t currently invoking anxiety amongst the Arsenal players, and that can only be deemed positive for the club’s fans.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
