Arsenal to 'reward' key player as new contract 'on the agenda' - club warned of 'domino effect'

A new contract for Aaron Ramsdale is said to be 'on Arsenal's agenda' as they seek to tie their most important players to new deals.

Ramsdale signed for Arsenal last year after suffering relegation with AFC Bournemouth. They paid an upfront fee of around £24m to bring him in.

The Englishman quickly replaced Bernd Leno as the club's first-choice goalkeeper and he shone for the Gunners in his first season.

Many questioned Arsenal's decision to sign him, but he turned out to be an inspired addition.

The England international has also made a strong start to the campaign as Arsenal are four points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta's side are very young and it's important that they don't lose some of their best players as they try to progress further in the coming years.

Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and William Saliba are all out of contract in 2024 and it is a priority for Arsenal to bring new offers to the trio.

Athletic's James McNicholas now reports that Arsenal have also acknowledged Ramsdale deserves improved wages.

He also mentions Takerhiro Tomiyasu and Charlie Patino as players in the running for a new contract.

‘A new contract for Aaron Ramsdale is also on Arsenal’s agenda. Although he only joined the club in 2021, he has since established himself as the No.1 and is a regular part of the England international set-up,” McNicholas wrote for The Athletic.

“There is recognition from all sides that he should be rewarded with a salary more in line with that of a first-choice goalkeeper at a top-six club.

'Another problem for Arsenal is the domino effect: as soon as they give out a contract, other players and representatives will inevitably come knocking.

'Takehiro Tomiyasu has signed for the club on a relatively modest salary and if he finds a regular place, he hopes it will be resolved.

'Charlie Patino's contract expires at the end of this season – Arsenal have the option of triggering a two-year extension, but there is a deadline for this clause and no contract negotiations have yet taken place .

'Arsenal's position this summer was to focus on transfers rather than contract renewals, but this has created something of a backlog.

‘There is, however, an opportunity for Arsenal to make a statement. The World Cup provides a break in the season and an opportune time for clubs and agents to talk to each other. '

He continued: "But if Arteta were able to announce new contracts for Saka, Martinelli, Saliba, Ramsdale and Patino - simultaneously or separately - that would send quite a message." Arsenal's performances this season suggest they have entered a new era. Now make sure it continues.

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