Arteta responds to Saka contract agreement reports

Mikel Arteta has responded to reports that Bukayo Saka has agreed in principle a new contract at Arsenal lasting until 2030.

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Earlier this week, Fabrice Hawkins reported for French outlet RMC Sport that Bukayo Saka is on the verge of extending his contract with Arsenal, with the winger to sign a deal lasting until 2030.

Hawkins claimed negotiations are still ongoing, but that they’re now in the final stages, and all parties are confident of finalising an agreement. Saka will reportedly put pen to paper in the coming weeks.

The report added that Arsenal want Saka to sign on before the end of the year, and the extension has been agreed in principle. Hawkins concluded that the player had quickly made it clear his priority was to stay with Arsenal.

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Speaking in his subsequent press conference on Friday, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta responded to a question about whether he was aware of such an agreement in principle.

“Well, what I’m very aware of is that he wants to continue with us,” Arteta confirmed. “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 that happens and how it happens, I leave that to him and the club.”

Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

At the very least, Arteta’s comments confirm Hawkins’ claim that Saka has made it clear that he wants to stay, adding credibility to the rest of the report.

The 24-year-old has scored six goals in 14 games for Arsenal this season, and he’ll be gearing up for a big week with the team as the Gunners face Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea in the space of just over seven days.

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