Mikel Arteta gives Bukayo Saka and William Saliba contract update as Andrea Berta plan clear

Mikel Arteta has provided an update on Arsenal's ongoing hopes of agreeing new contracts for Bukayo Saka and William Saliba. Saka and Saliba have established themselves as two of the Gunners' most important players during their respective spells at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenalcurrently have Saliba and Saka under contract until the summer of 2027, meaning that both players have entered the final two years of their respective deals.

There has been tentative speculation around both Saka and Saliba's futures - amid the contract uncertainty - but Artetadidn't seem too concerned when he addressed the topic on Friday. Arteta was speaking ahead of Arsenal's clash against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League this weekend.

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The Gunners boss was asked if there was any update regarding potential extensions for Saka and Saliba, before hinting that sporting director Andrea Berta is working behind the scenes to get both agreements across the line.

"That never stops. But I think the collaboration between the club and what Andrea [Berta] is doing, and the agent, is very, very, very good," Arteta told reporters.

"I think the good thing is that the players [Saka and Saliba] want to remain here, and they want to be a big part of the history of this club in the next few years.

"And that's always positive. And Andrea will drive that and see where we go."

Both Saliba and Saka are currently on the side-lines with injuries that were picked up just before the international break. Saliba was withdrawn in the early minutes of the defeat to Liverpool with an ankle injury while Saka missed the trip to Anfield with a hamstring injury.

Arteta confirmed that Saliba has returned to training, but would not say if the defender is available to play Forest. The Arsenal boss went on to confirm that Saka is still side-lined due to injury.

"William [Saliba] trained today, so we have a decision to make," said Arteta, before then adding: "Bukayo [Saka] is out. Still out and he's trying to get back as quick as possible."