One of Mikel Arteta’s most important Arsenal players is in line for a new contract and talks have already begun over his fresh terms, according to a report.

Sporting director Edu is gradually going through the squad trying to tie down stars that have a future at the Emirates. In early February, Arteta revealed his ‘delight’ as winger Gabriel Martinelli extended his contract with Arsenal. It will keep him there until June 2027.

And on Tuesday, Arsenal announced that midfielder Mohamed Elneny had followed Martinelli’s lead by signing a new deal of his own. Reacting to the news, Elneny told club media: “I’m so happy, I love this club and our supporters so much and I’ll give everything to help us be the best we can be, every day I’m here.”

Elneny’s new contract runs until June 2024. When asked about being the club’s longest-serving player, he added that he is ‘so proud’ to have achieved that feat.

Bukayo Saka and William Saliba are also expected to pen new deals over the coming months. This should put off the duo’s potential suitors. Manchester City supposedly admire Saka, while Saliba is on Paris Saint-Germain’s radar.

But Saka and Saliba are not the only in-form Arsenal players likely to have their contracts renewed in the near future. 90Min state that midfielder Granit Xhaka will also be offered fresh terms soon.

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Initial talks have already been held between the club, Xhaka and his representative. And the 30-year-old, who is one of Arteta’s biggest voices in the dressing room, is keen to stay at Arsenal beyond his current deal. That expires in summer 2024, though the Gunners do have the option to extend it by another year.

Arsenal are hoping to conclude discussions fairly quickly as all parties are working towards the same goal. Arteta, meanwhile, has given Xhaka’s new contract his ‘seal of approval’.

Granit Xhaka an Arsenal hero despite past problems

Given Xhaka’s age, his new Arsenal deal could be his last as a player. He would like to end his career with the north London club. Although, there is also the possibility of him going back to his native Switzerland. He holds plenty of admiration for FC Basel after coming through their academy and then becoming a first-team regular for them.

It has been an incredible turnaround for Xhaka. He was the villain at Arsenal when he was booed off by his own supporters during a match against Crystal Palace in October 2019. Xhaka reacted to the jeers by waving his arms to taunt the fans and sarcastically cupping his ear.

Xhaka’s actions resulted in him being stripped of the captaincy. But he has gradually gotten the Arsenal fans back on board. And now, under Arteta, he is one of the first names on the team sheet.

The former Borussia Monchengladbach star has been integral to Arsenal’s push for the Premier League title this season. He is even one of the vice-captains for when usual skipper Martin Odegaard is not available.

It will be great to see him rewarded with a new contract, something which would have been inconceivable a few years ago.

Meanwhile, a journalist has revealed which signing is a ‘priority’ for Arsenal in the summer transfer window.

The article Massive Arsenal contract plans continue with leader set for fresh terms after Arteta ‘seal of approval’ appeared first on Teamtalk.com.