Arsenal have started rough talks with winger Bukayo Saka in an effort to agree a new contract amid links with a big move to Liverpool.
Saka was the hero again on Saturday afternoon, scoring the only goal in Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Aston Villa.
Ssaka was so good that Villa boss Steven Gerrard even called him ‘outstanding’.
The winger is enjoying a superb season, bagging nine goals and five assists in the Premier League.
That’s already a huge improvement on last season and Saka just seems to keep on getting better and better.
The problem for Arsenal is that Saka’s improvement means he is attracting major interest from other clubs.
ESPN reported in February that Liverpool and Manchester City are both watching Saka’s development very closely.
The belief was that Liverpool or City could make a cash bid for Saka this summer if Arsenal miss out on the Champions League.
A top-four finish now appears to be within Arsenal’s grasp, meaning those bids may not come – or if they do, Arsenal at least have more hope of keeping him.
The Athletic now claim that Arsenal have started initial talks to try and extend Saka’s contract and rule out a sale any time soon.
Saka’s current deal is understood to expire next year, but Arsenal have a 12-month option on that contract.
That means Arsenal have a couple of years until Saka is free to leave, but understandable want to sort out a long-term extension.
If Arsenal can convince Saka to commit his future to the club until 2026, even 2027, this would be an enormous boost for Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal fanbase.
Liverpool will be a threat should Mohamed Salah leave any time soon, but this latest report gives Arsenal real hope of tying Saka down for many years to come.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
