Andrea Berta takes action for huge Arsenal priorities as £47.5m transfer update emerges

Arsenal look to have made progress in contract extension talks with William Saliba (Image: (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images))

Andrea Berta still has a number of big Arsenal decisions to make even with the transfer window closing well over one week ago. The Gunners enjoyed a rather unprecedented summer with eight new players joining Mikel Arteta's squad.

Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Piero Hincapie and Martin Zubimendi were arguably the marquee arrivals with Cristhian Mosquera, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Christian Norgaard adding needed depth.

With roughly £250 million spent, the onus is on the group under Arteta to deliver the big trophies. If that does not happen over the next nine months, it will be four seasons of disappointment within Emirates Stadium. To ensure their best players continue fighting for that piece of silverware, Berta has a big job on his hands.

As so many big names have arrived, those that were previously guaranteed starters have seen their roles become at risk. A few of those that are now seemingly on the fringes when everyone is fit may potentially be moved on to allow further funds to be spent in other areas.

Berta move made on Arsenal priority

Tying down Bukayo Saka and William Saliba to new and improved contracts will arguably be more important than any new signing.

Steps have already been taken for both with it perhaps clear the latter is the current priority as he has just two years remaining on his current deal amid interest from Real Madrid. According to Foot Mercato , a new five-year contract has been offered to Saliba with discussions set to continue.

Talks with Saka, who also sees his contract expire in 2027, are advancing, as per TEAMtalk .

Saliba is absolutely one of Arteta's most important players and having him for up to a further five years would come as a huge boost. He may not see out that hypothetical deal but if not, Arsenal will almost certainly receive a sizeable for his exit.

The Gunners have been bang on the money when it comes to contracts over the last few years with it clear they want to avoid the disastrous scenario that was facing Arne Slot at Liverpool last season.

Martinelli transfer update

Gabriel Martinelli continues to be linked with an Arsenal exit that could even take place this month as transfer windows in Turkiye and Saudi Arabia remain open.

The latter is perhaps his only realistic destination, however, because of financial incentives and as the Turkish window will close this weekend.

With that in mind, Caught Offside is reporting that he has attracted interest from the Middle East with his future at Emirates Stadium increasingly uncertain. Transfermarkt values the Brazil international at £47.5million.

The 24-year-old has arguably regressed over the last few years with his form in front of goal taking a hit and his decision-making in the final third questioned. Martinelli's pace and incisiveness were undoubtedly his two biggest strengths but he now hangs onto the ball for a bit too long.

If a chance to sale at a decent price emerges, Arsenal should be looking to take it with both hands but it should not be sanctioned imminently as no replacement can be signed.