Arteta: Arsenal stars must focus on title charge, not contract talks

Mikel Arteta urges Arsenal stars to concentrate fully on their Premier League title charge rather than contract talks, with Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale close to signing new deals with the club

  • Mikel Arteta has told players to focus on Arsenal’s Premier League title charge
  • The high-flying Gunners are a point behind leaders Manchester City in the table 
  • Arteta insisted stars should put contract negotiations on the backburner for now

Mikel Arteta has told his players to focus on Arsenal’s title charge – rather than their futures – as the club chase Premier League glory while talks continue with several key stars.

Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Saka are understood to be close to signing new contracts, while William Saliba is also in talks over an improved deal.

Winger Reiss Nelson is out of contract in the summer and Bayer Leverkusen are pushing to sign midfielder Granit Xhaka.

‘Obviously where we are with each individual is probably different in terms of timing but the clarity is there,’ Arteta said ahead of Sunday’s visit of Brighton.

‘We have communicated to each of them what the intentions are and we are trying to get that done as quickly as possible but respecting and not losing any focus on what is the real deal right now.’

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has urged his players to focus on the title charge, not contract talks

Aaron Ramsdale (right) and Bukayo Saka (left) are understood to be close to signing new deals

Arteta insisted he is happy with Granit Xhaka amid links with a move to Bayer Leverkusen

Arsenal sit a point behind leaders Manchester City, though Pep Guardiola’s side have four games to play to Arsenal’s three.

Xhaka has been a crucial part of their title charge but the 30-year-old is being linked with a move to Germany in the summer.

Arsenal are keen to strengthen their squad, with midfielder Declan Rice a priority target.

Arteta would not respond to reports directly but the manager insisted: ‘I’m extremely happy with Granit.

‘I think he is having an incredible season, probably the best season he has had at the club and we are really happy to have him.’


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