Arsenal’s new contract tactic revealed as ex-Gunner lined up for Premier League return

William Saliba recently became the latest big-name Arsenal star to commit his long-term future to the club by signing a new contract, with England ace Bukayo Saka increasingly likely to be next

Arsenal have finally come up with a plan to tie-down their biggest stars. The Gunners managed to get William Saliba to commit himself to a five-year deal which was a major coup because Real Madrid have been lurking.

They are now turning their attention to getting Bukayo Saka to sign a new deal which would make him among the top earners. Both were allowed to enter the final two years of their current deals but this time there was no panic on either because they are in a strong bargaining position through a very obvious – but deliberate – tactic.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta signed defender Cristhian Mosquera and that meant if the worst happened they had a replacement for Saliba and they can take a similar attitude with Noni Madueke and Saka. It has relieved the pressure and also meant that if either player had shown no sign of signing on again they could have sold. However, Saka’s talks have gone well and he is set to follow Saliba by signing on again.

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Meanwhile, Takehiro Tomiyasu could be on his way back to the Premier League.

Japan defender Tomiyasu, 26, is a free agent after leaving Arsenal in the summer when they mutually agreed to terminate his contract because of a knee injury.

Premier League clubs are keen and Brighton have been linked with the versatile defender – who can play across the back – having enjoyed his time in English football.

AC Milan are also watching developments with Tomiyasu who will be keen to get playing regularly ahead of the World Cup.

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