Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has delivered an optimistic update regarding the future of star winger Bukayo Saka, confidently stating the academy graduate can 'leave a legacy' at the club by signing a new long-term contract.
Arteta's Confident Stance on Saka's Future
Speaking on Friday, Arteta addressed the ongoing negotiations with the 24-year-old, whose current deal at the Emirates has just 18 months remaining. Despite the ticking clock, a palpable sense of calm surrounds the situation, with multiple reports indicating that an agreement between the player and the club is nearing completion.
'Well, what I’m very aware of is that he wants to continue with us,' Arteta stated unequivocally. 'He’s very happy that he’s in the place that he wants to continue to be and achieve everything that we want to achieve together.'
When pressed on his confidence levels regarding a finalised deal, the Spanish manager preferred the term 'confident,' pointing to the positive dialogue with both Saka and his agent, Emeka Obasi. 'I think it is confident because what Bukayo has admitted to me and the club, and Emeka as well, is that they want to continue to be here,' Arteta explained.
Building a Lasting Legacy at Arsenal
Arteta went beyond mere contract logistics, framing Saka's potential renewal as a pivotal moment for the club's history. He emphasised the 'very healthy and powerful relationship' between the player and the club, built on a shared journey from academy prospect to first-team linchpin.
'It is something we want to maintain and I think that it is something that will leave a legacy at this football club and he needs to fulfil the role, which is great,' Arteta added, underlining the significance of Saka's commitment to the long-term project.
Saka's importance to the team is undeniable. This season, he has already scored three times in nine Premier League appearances, helping to propel Arsenal to the top of the table in the early stages of the title race. His virtually ever-present status since his 2019 breakthrough makes him a cornerstone of Arteta's plans.
Arsenal's Proactive Contract Strategy
Arsenal's determined approach to securing Saka's future appears to be part of a broader, strategic shift. Seemingly learning from the experience of rivals like Liverpool, who lost Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid after his contract ran down, the Gunners are acting decisively to tie down their key assets.
This proactive policy has already seen success this year, with defensive pillars Gabriel and William Saliba signing new deals. The club has also secured the futures of promising academy products Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly following their first-team breakthroughs.
Arteta confirmed this strategy extends to other crucial players, revealing that talks are also underway with Dutch defender Jurrien Timber over a new contract following his impressive rise.
'I think there has been a very clear vision and route of how we want to do things,' Arteta said, praising the club's ownership and executives like Andrea for their support in 'maintaining the core of the team.'
The immediate focus, however, shifts to the pitch as Arsenal prepare for a massive North London derby against Tottenham on Sunday, where they will aim to extend their unbeaten run across all competitions to 15 games.
