Arsenal are set to open formal talks with Bukayo Saka over a new contract as the forward enters the final two years of his current deal.
Saka has been unavailable since December after sustaining a serious hamstring tear in the victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park an injury that eventually required surgery.
But his importance to Mikel Arteta’s team remains unquestioned with the club preparing to meet the player’s representatives over a contract extension.
Arsenal want to avoid any uncertainty regarding their star player’s future and will make securing Saka to a longer contract one of their top priorities.
The 23-year-old England international signed his current contract understood to be worth a minimum of £10m per season in 2022.
But that contract is due to expire at the end of the 2026-27 season with early moves towards opening concrete talks already initiated. The process is expected to accelerate in the not too distant future.
Clubs across Europe will be intrigued to see how discussions develop, with Saka widely recognised as one of the top attacking talents in European football.
Before signing his existing deal, Saka was a subject of interest for Manchester City and there will be no shortage of suitors again if club talks do not go smoothly.
But Arsenal will be hopeful that an agreement can be reachedBBCgiven their emergence as title challengers under Arteta, while their continued participation in the Champions League may also be a factor in persuading Saka to re-sign.
For now, Saka is focusing on his long-awaited return to fitness after his hamstring operation.
Following Sunday’s win over Chelsea, manager Arteta said Saka had a good chance of returning soon after the current international break.
Arsenal’s next game is against Fulham at Emirates Stadium on April 1.
Saka isn’t the only Arsenal player entering the final two years, or less, of their current deals.
Midfielders Thomas Partey and Jorginho are both out of contract at the end of the season and will leave the Emirates this summer as things stand.
Leandro Trossard, who has held talks over a new deal, is out of contract in the summer of 2026.
Crucially, Saka, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes who are all key players for Arteta will see their deals expire in 2027.
On his contractual situation Saliba said earlier this month that formal talks over a new deal were yet to start, but added: “For me, I’m really happy here. I’m happy here and I want to continue here.”
Magalhaes has also held talks over an extension. The Brazil international is believed to have interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia. —BBC
