Arsenal ‘expected’ to make double contract offer to key duo
Arsenal are ‘expected’ to offer winger Bukayo Saka and manager Mikel Arteta new deals in the summer, according to reports.
Arteta is out of contract in 2023 whilst Saka’s deal expires in the summer of 2024.
The Spanish manager has been linked with Barcelona and Manchester City but has previously insisted he is happy in north London.
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Saka, on the other hand, initially broke into the first team under Unai Emery, filling in at left-back domestically and playing in a forward role in Europa League games.
The young winger is a graduate of Arsenal’s famous Hale End academy and has made 114 appearances for the club.
His fine performances for the Gunners helped him break into the England squad. He made his Three Lions debut in October 2020 against Wales.
Saka was included in Gareth Southgate’s squad for last summer’s European Championships, making four appearances at the continental competition.
His fine form has encouraged his club to negotiate a fresh contract, whilst they will also work on a new deal for Arteta, reports football.london.
Saka’s new contract will likely reflect his contribution to the team as he is now one of the most important players at the club.
Arsenal’s head of football operations Richard Garlick will lead the talks that are likely to begin once the season ends in May.
The report notes that club director Josh Kroenke – son of owner Stan – has a strong relationship with Arteta and has been ‘impressed’ with how he has navigated the club through the Covid-19 pandemic.
Speaking about his contract situation, the Arsenal manager said last month: “No, we haven’t discussed anything like that.
“I think we have many other priorities at the moment that are far more important than that.
“I don’t know (if it will be at the end of the season), really I’m not thinking about that. I’m just trying to get the best out of the team, trying to cope with all the situations that we are facing at the moment.”
