Premier League leaders Arsenal are building towards a dominant future, with positive developments on the contract front for their star players. The North London club, boasting one of the most valuable squads in world football at approximately €1.31 billion, is strategically securing its core talent for the long haul.
Saka's New Deal: The Top Priority
Encouraging news has emerged from the Emirates, with Sky Sports reporting that talks for a new Bukayo Saka contract are 'progressing'. There is a confirmed 'willingness from all parties' to reach an agreement for the 24-year-old academy graduate. This development addresses what was considered the most pressing contract situation at the club, especially after the recent renewals for defensive pillars Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba.
Saka's current deal runs until 2027, but the club is moving proactively to extend his stay. He is not alone in having a 2027 expiry, however. Gabriel Martinelli, Christian Norgaard, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Jesus also see their contracts conclude in the same year. For Martinelli and Norgaard, the club holds an option to extend for a further year until 2028.
Arsenal's Long-Term Squad Architecture
Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal hierarchy have constructed a squad with impressive long-term stability. The club has no players, aside from loanee Piero Hincapie, whose contracts expire in 2026. Hincapie's deal includes a £45 million option to buy next summer, potentially converting his loan from Bayer Leverkusen into a permanent transfer.
Looking further ahead, a significant group of eight key players have contracts set to expire in 2028. This list includes captain Martin Odegaard, record signing Declan Rice, and first-choice goalkeeper David Raya. For Rice and fellow 2028-contract holder Ben White, the club has secured the safety net of an option for an additional year.
The planning extends into the next decade, with a core of seven players tied down until 2030. This group includes defensive stalwart William Saliba, new signings Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi, and highly-rated teenagers Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly. Meanwhile, 15-year-old prospect Max Dowman is on a pre-contract scholarship deal until he is eligible for a professional contract on his 17th birthday.
Complete Arsenal Contract Expiry List
2026: Piero Hincapie (loan with option).
2027: Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli (club option), Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard, Christian Norgaard (club option).
2028: Declan Rice (club option), Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber, David Raya, Ben White (club option), Mikel Merino, Kepa Arrizabalaga.
2029: Gabriel Magalhaes, Eberechi Eze (club option), Riccardo Calafiori.
2030: William Saliba, Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Cristhian Mosquera (club option).
