Mikel Arteta has told Friday’s press conference – as per Football London – that he is “very confident” Arsenal will tie up a deal for the long-term future of Bukayo Saka at the club, with his current deal expiring in June 2024.
Saka, who turns 21 in September, is considered one of Arsenal’s best players. Last season, he had a hand in 19 goals during 43 league and cup appearances for the Gunners – scoring 12 times and contributing seven assists.
Still only 20, he has played 133 times in all competitions for Arsenal. He will easily surpass 150 this season, an incredible total for a player so young. His form has seen him earn 18 caps for England under Gareth Southgate.
There have been links with the likes of Liverpool and other big clubs. But Arsenal are in talks to extend his current deal, which is worth £33,000 a week. Arteta has given an update. He says he is “confident” a deal will be done.
“I am very confident that we as a club and Bukayo and his family and agent are all aligned. Now it’s about putting that on a piece of paper. I would like that to get done because I don’t want players to be distracted.”
Arteta ‘confident’ of Arsenal deal for Saka; Talks ongoing for Gunners
It is of utmost importance that Arsenal extend Saka’s deal. Currently ending in 2024, they really need to get him tied down to a contract that far exceeds the next two yearss. Possibly, adding three years on top, until 2027.
The concern is that Saka could begin to outgrow Arsenal. But last season will have given the England international confidence that the ambition of his boyhood club align with Saka’s. He will want to finish in the top four this term.
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