Arsenal have been in talks with Bukayo Saka for months, and although talks with Mikel Arteta have not yet begun at the Emirates, a big deal could be finalized soon.
Arsenal are confident that a deal will be finalized after months of talks with Bukayo Saka, who will ultimately be worth more than £300,000-a-week, but talks have not yet begun with Mikel Arteta about extending his contract.
Negotiations with Mr Saka’s representatives have been ongoing for some time and it is understood that all parties are confident of a positive outcome. The winger’s new contract will make him the highest earner at the Emirates.
The club believes this is a true reflection of his status as one of the elite wingers playing in Europe. Saka is seen as something of a talisman for the Gunners, not only for his performances but also for the fact that he is a born-and-bred player who has overcome challenges to get into this position.
Arsenal now put Saka in a position to win trophies with his boyhood club, which will further fuel his ambitions and desire to stay. He also became an integral figure for England while playing in north London.
Just last month he told Sky Sports: “While I’m at Arsenal, I also want to help win the biggest trophies. So that’s the next step. We’ve been together as a group for many years, we’ve been through a lot of ups and downs together, but now we just want to take the next step.”
read more: Bukayo Saka singles out two England team-mates in his World Cup predictionsread more: ‘Next Bukayo Saka’ sparks transfer controversy in January after leaving Arsenal as free agent
However, while Saka’s new contract appears to be on the horizon, negotiations for Arteta to extend his stay at the club have not yet begun. The Spaniard is in the final 18 months of his term, but talks over whether he stays are still not on the table.
Arteta waited until the final year of his previous contract before making the decision to stay at Arsenal. If, as expected, he stays in north London, he may do it again. Arsenal want to keep him given the progress he has overseen, but Arteta sees contract negotiations as a distraction and the remainder of this season could dictate a decision.
The club currently sit four points behind the leaders of the Premier League, but are preparing for a new battle against chasers Manchester City. Their head coach is unlikely to want any talk of his future dominating press conferences if the title race goes all the way.
One player who is in extension talks is Julian Timber. He has a contract until 2028, but the Dutchman continues to impress and Arsenal are hoping to reward his performances with an improved contract. Timber’s debut year was largely ended by an early injury, but he has since established himself as a first-choice player.
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