Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has a busy summer ahead of him when it comes to transfers, but perhaps more importantly, contract negotiations too.
The Gunners have several key stars nearing the final years of their contract, putting pressure on sealing possible extensions.
Arsenal Insider understands that contract talks are underway with Thomas Partey over a possible stay, with his deal expiring this summer.
Beyond him, now in the two-year range coming into the summer, there are questions over the futures of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba.
While all three seem settled and there is time to get an extension sealed, Real Madrid’s transfer interest in Saliba has been a concern, and Andrea Berta is looking to stop that quickly.
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Andrea Berta has “ramped up” contract talks with William Saliba over Arsenal extension
With Real Madrid’s interest in William Saliba, Arsenal are facing a potential battle to keep hold of him for the future.
In recent weeks, Saliba has reaffirmed his commitment to Arsenal, but his contract situation will still put plenty of pressure on a stay.
With the Gunners looking to consolidate what they have and build on it, sporting director Andrea Berta has already responded to the reports that Real Madrid have been in talks with Saliba.
According to L’Equipe, Berta has “ramped up” contract talks with the Frenchman to keep him at the club for longer.
The report states that the sporting director is convinced that Real Madrid have been trying to “plant the seed” in Saliba’s head over a potential switch to Los Blancos.
To combat that, Berta has intensified his efforts with the 24-year-old with the hope of preventing any exit.
It remains to be seen if the strategy will work, but it means Arsenal are well prepared for a battle to keep Saliba at the club.
New contracts could be Andrea Berta’s most important Arsenal transfer business
There has been plenty of clamour for Arsenal to go out and sign the striker many have desperately craved in recent years.
While that could end up being some good business for Berta to complete this summer, perhaps the most important business will be on the contract situations.
Saka, Gabriel and Saliba are part of an important core at Arsenal, with the trio being part of the reason for their rise back to the very top.
With their peak years still ahead, and no shortage of interest in their services, the pressure placed on losing them in their final year or beyond becomes huge.
So, sealing deals for the trio in the next few months, before it reaches that point, could actually be the best piece of business the new sporting director completes.
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