Arsenal are ready to open conversations with young star Bukayo Saka over a potential new contract at the Emirates, manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed.
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Molineux to take on Wolves, the Arsenal boss revealed that they are going to begin talks with Saka, his agent and his family, as they look to tie him down to a long term deal.
‘It is a conversation we are going to have with the player, then his agent, his family — [talks] which are going to be extremely important as well — so everybody is on board’, the Spaniard revealed.
“Obviously, our desire is to keep Bukayo as long as possible, because we are really happy. He is part of our club, our DNA, he is growing, he is maturing.’
‘His importance in the team is unquestionable and we want to keep our best talent, that’s for sure.’
#afc Mikel Arteta has confirmed Arsenal will start contract talks with Bukayo Saka.
“Obviously our desire is to keep Bukayo as long as possible because we are really happy. He is part of our club, our DNA, he is growing, he is maturing.”
Full story:https://t.co/gsY0w1vAhH
— Simon Collings (@sr_collings) February 10, 2022
How important is it?
Saka will have just two years left on his current Arsenal contract come the summer, meaning that they will need to either look to move him on or tie him down to new deal in order to get the most value out of their talent.
For many Arsenal fans, the former is unthinkable, with Saka having become the poster boy of the new-look Arsenal side under Arteta, and seemingly a shoo-in for the World Cup squad in November.
But, according to the Daily Mail, any talks could hinge on Arsenal getting Champions League football next season, allowing Saka to shine on the highest stage in the same way that English talents at his age are already.
Arsenal prioritising Bukayo Saka new contract but emerging sense that successful talks will hinge on CL qualification. Money won’t be the only issue. https://t.co/TvFtO0Jcre
— Sami Mokbel (@SamiMokbel81_DM) February 9, 2022
Should they make the top 4 come the end of the season, Saka may stay in Arsenal colours for a long time to come.
Read more:
Arsenal lining up summer swoop for Brazilian midfielder
‘Everyone wants to play for Arsenal’ – Mikel Arteta highlights Arsenal’s attractiveness as the Gunners prepare for a big summer
