1. Saka’s contract expires in June 2027. Renew now or wait?
I’m astonished Arsenal have not resolved this—they still haven’t struck a new contract deal with Saka. He is the Gunners’ talisman, a homegrown academy product and the perfect embodiment of the club’s values. To let him enter the final 12 months of his contract carries enormous risks. Have they not learned from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s example? At 24, Saka will undoubtedly be courted by Europe’s top clubs this summer or in 2027. Arsenal must act urgently.
It’s hard to picture him in another club’s jersey, and I have no inside information—but it is not impossible that he talks of a "new challenge" after receiving tempting offers, even if Arsenal win the Premier League or Champions League. Perhaps a principle agreement has been reached and the announcement delayed for maximum publicity. Let’s hope so, because even the most loyal players hate being taken for granted.
2. Martinelli, Trossard, Jesus and Norgaard all have contracts expiring in 2027 like Saka. Do they need renewals in January?
Martinelli and Norgaard have a one-year extension clause in their contracts, so there’s no rush to renew. Trossard and Jesus are highly likely to be put on the transfer market this summer. Norgaard has barely featured in six months at the club, and a parting of ways before his contract expires is almost certain. Martinelli is the biggest dilemma—Arsenal want to keep him, but he will turn 25 next summer and may feel his game time is insufficient. He has excelled as a substitute but struggled when starting, and I sense a split is on the cards.
Trossard has delivered outstanding contributions and embraced a substitute role; he deserves a renewal reward if his minutes are maintained. Norgaard has fulfilled his role as a specific tactical option and is the only backup for his position, so he should stay. It would take a miracle for me to want Jesus to remain—he is high-wage and underperforming, with better and younger alternatives available. Arsenal should keep an open mind but can start a gradual clear-out. As for Martinelli, he is fighting for his future at the Gunners. Game time is limited amid competition from Trossard, Madueke and young talent Max Dowman. Unless he proves irreplaceable, the club should start paving the way for his exit this summer.
