Bukayo Saka new contract coming ‘very shortly’

Mikel Arteta expects Bukayo Saka to sign a new contract to remain at the Emirates “very shortly” according to reports. The 18-year old burst onto the scene this year and has been one of Arsenal’s best players this season. He’s out of contract next June, and there have been concerning rumors of interest from clubs like Liverpool and Barcelona.

Signing him to a new, long-term deal would come as a huge relief for the club and fans. Being forced to sell one of the best young prospects at the club in what is expected to be a down market would be a huge blow financially. It would also be a bad sign for Arsenal’s much-needed roster rebuild if they aren’t able to hold onto young, cornerstone talent.

Said Arteta about Saka’s contract situation:

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. He is just showing that every week and his consistency level is getting better and better. 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.

Saka, along with William Saliba, Gabriel Martinelli, and Trae Coyle made the 100 player shortlist for the Golden Boy award, given by Italian outlet Tuttosport to the best young player in Europe. Matteo Guendouzi was among the 20 finalists last season. The club have young players with first team experience in Reiss Nelson, Emile Smith Rowe, Joe Willock, and Ainsley Maitland-Niles and promising prospects including Tyreece John-Jules and Folarin Balogun. Those guys, along with the younger members of the current first team, should form the core of a remade side.

Come on Arsenal. Give the man the right deal so he can sign ‘da ‘ting.