"First, let's confirm one thing."
Mendes still wanted to gain the upper hand in the negotiation, and he made a request: "All discussions should be based on the premise of a 1-year extension, making the total contract duration 4 years. The player values this aspect highly."
"It's not that he's considering leaving; he just wants to leave some room for himself. He believes he can perform even better in the future and continually earn similar pay raises."
Wenger nodded in understanding. He wasn't adamant about the contract duration, and for a player like Ma'el with great talent and potential, leaving some room was beneficial.
Otherwise, when there's no possibility for an extension, the player might be unhappy with the salary but lacks the bargaining chips.
At that point, making demands from the club could easily strain the relationship with no room for maneuver.
"Let's finalize it today."
