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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta spoke to the Evening Standard about Bukayo Saka’s future at the club.
The teenager burst onto the scene earlier this season and has become a fan favourite. Saka filled in at left-back in the absence of Kieran Tierney and Sead Kolasinac, and was absolutely brilliant there.
The 18-year-old has scored three goals and has provided 10 assists in all competitions this season. His versatility is huge boon for Arteta who has used him at left-back, on both wings and recently in central midfield as well.
Saka has just over a year left on his contract. Lack of clarity over his future has worried a number of Arsenal fans, especially when Liverpool reportedly expressed an interest in his services. (Daily Mail)
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Arteta confirms progress in Saka’s contract talks
Arteta has ended all the speculation now as he revealed that the young winger is close to extending his stay at the Emirates.
He said: “I am very positive that everything is going to be done with Bukayo very shortly. The communications between the club, agents and the family has been going on for months and is very fluent.”
“The player and family knows how much trust I have in him. I think he is just showing that every week and his consistency level is getting better and better.”
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“I’m so excited with the young players that we have. They just need the right environment around them to explode and Bukayo is doing that even in difficult circumstances, which is even more merit for him,” Arteta said.
Progress in Saka’s contract talks is a huge boost for the Gunners ahead of this summer’s window. Arsenal, like many other clubs, aren’t in a great financial position, and losing Saka would have been a massive blow.
Saka done, Auba next?
Arteta will certainly be pleased with Saka staying but he now has to convince another big player to extend his stay at the club.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is yet to put pen to paper and the longer his contract saga drags on, Arsenal’s position in negotiations become weaker.
The Gunners skipper has been the reason why the club aren’t fighting for relegation and losing him, especially in the financial climate, will put a lot of pressure on Arteta ahead of his first full season in charge.
The Arsenal boss will be hoping for some clarity over his captain’s future soon but at this moment in time, it does not look positive at all.
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