By Noel Whelan

6th Feb, 2023 | 6:00pm

Pundit in 'no doubt' about Bukayo Saka deal as Arsenal reach £41.2m agreement

Noel Whelan has backed Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and William Saliba for “massive” new deals with Champions League qualification a “100%” certainty.

The former Leeds striker was speaking exclusively to Football Insider after Gunners star Gabriel Martinelli signed a new contract at the club.

Arsenal confirmed via club media on Friday (3 February) that Martinelli had signed a new “long-term” contract at the club – with Sky Sports claiming his new deal will run until June 2027.

The Brazil international has registered seven goals and three assists in 28 appearances across all competitions this season.

According to The Sun’s Daniel Cutts, Martinelli will now earn £180,000-a-week – or £41.2million over the length of his new deal.

Saliba and Saka are both out of contract at the end of next season.

England international Saka has been the subject of reported interest from Premier League champions Man City.

Arsenal sit five points ahead of the Citizens at the summit of the top-flight.

Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “Martinelli 100% deserves a contract with the season he’s having.

“But it’s about Saliba and Saka now. That is two integral parts of the squad.

“They’ve got to go all out to get them signed up.

“I think the sticking point was about Champions League qualification, but they’re 100% going to be playing in that competition next season.

“And that’s if they don’t go one step further and win the league.

“There’s no doubt that they look both happy and they deserve a massive new deal for what they’ve brought to this club.”

In other news, pundit issues emphatic Arsenal dressing room claim after Gabriel Jesus news.