5 Arsenal Stars Who Have Signed New Contracts As Gunners Squad Value Hits €1Bn Mark

• Arsenal ceded an eight-point advantage to Manchester City in the title race last season
• The Gunners have shown faith in their squad by handing out new contracts to five of them
• The squad value ahead of the new season has hit the €1bn mark

Arsenal were so close to winning the Premier League title last season, but a late capitulation meant they lost an eight points advantage to eventual champions Manchester City.

Mikel Arteta shouldered responsibility for the collapse, and the board have shown faith in him for a new season with over £200m spent on signings including Kai Havertz and incomings, Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber.

SportBible reported that the squad value has gone over €1bn, only behind Manchester City in the English league as the Gunners revitalise their squad ahead of next season.

Sports Brief looks at five players who have been rewarded with new contracts as the Emirates hierarchy have shown faith in some standout players from last season, including Bukayo Saka.

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1. Bukayo Saka

The Hale End graduate was one of the Gunners' standout performers from last season and hit double digits for goals and assists. Saka signed a new bumper contract that saw him become Arsenal's highest-paid player with a weekly wage of about £288,000.

2. Gabriel Martinelli

As Saka was running riot on the right-wing, Brazilian youngster Gabriel Martinelli was doing business on the left wing. Arsenal officially confirmed their talented winger signed a new four-year deal that will keep him at the club till 2027.

3. Aaron Ramsdale

The English goalkeeper joined from Sheffield United in the summer of 2021 and was pivotal to the Gunners' run last season. According to Sky Sports, he was rewarded with a contract extension till 2026, with an option of another year in May.

4. Reiss Nelson

Another academy product who came clutch in a few moments when given a chance last season, notably the 3-2 comeback win over Bournemouth. Mirror UK reports that his new contract signed yesterday will see him earn around £100,000 per week.

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5. William Saliba

The young French defender was a rock in the Gunners' defence and scored his first Arsenal goal against Bournemouth in August. He has been rewarded with a new four-year contract till 2027 with an improved salary. Many blamed the team's collapse last season on his injury, as predicted by Patrice Evra in December.

Arsenal's 2021 summer signings

Sports Brief analysed five players Arsenal signed in 2021 and how they are faring as the Gunners are prepared to break their single-window spending this summer.

Aaron Ramsdale, captain Martin Odegaard and Ben White have all become integral team members, while the other two are already wantaway stars, having spent last season on loans.