Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has urged Bukayo Saka to follow William Saliba's example by agreeing terms over a new contract in north London. The French defender has agreed to extend his stay at the club and, with Saka's contract expiring in 2027, Arteta wants to see the winger commit too.
GettySaliba sets an example
Defender Saliba has agreed terms over a new five-year deal that will see the centre-back stay in north London until at least 2030. The centre-back had been linked with a potential move to Real Madrid this summer but is instead poised to put pen to paper on a fresh deal. Now, manager Arteta has called on Saka to follow his team-mate's example and do likewise; his current deal runs until 2027. The England winger, of course, is key for the Gunners and has scored 71 goals, while registering 71 assists, in 267 games for the club. He has also developed into a key player for the Three Lions, winning 44 caps and scoring 12 goals; three of those strikes came in just four games at the 2022 World Cup, and he is again likely to be in the squad when Thomas Tuchel's side play Wales in a friendly and Latvia in a World Cup qualifier in early October.
AdvertisementSaka to stay?
There has been no indication that Saka wants to leave Arsenal but ESPN reports that he is also not close to signing a new deal. Regardless, Arteta is willing to put pressure on one of his key players to extend his stay, as he looks to build a squad capable of finally winning the Premier League title. Saliba's desire to remain in north London is a major statement in and of itself, with the defender making it into the Premier League Team of the Year in each of the last three seasons.
AFPWhat Arteta said
Arteta was asked by reporters if he expected Saka to ink a new deal and replied: "I would love that.
"From everything that I know, he is a player that is extremely happy, and proud to have the role that he has at the football club.
"Things will develop in a natural way, like they always do, and everyone knows how important Bukayo is for us. Hopefully we can do it."
Saka remains absolutely key for Arteta given the news of Noni Madueke's injury, and the absence of Kai Havertz ahead of their clash with Newcastle. However, captain Martin Odegaard is set to be fit to play after missing three games with a shoulder injury.
Arsenal extending stays
Arsenal have already handed fresh deals to the likes of Gabriel, Saliba's centre-back partner, and youngsters Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri. Saka has said before that he wants to "win wearing this badge", although he made it clear at the time that he was not in a rush to sign a new contract.
Ahead of the Gunners' Champions League clash with Real Madrid last season, he said: "For me, I want to win and I want to win wearing this badge.
"I think it is pretty clear — the fans know how much I love them and you saw when I came on on Tuesday [against Everton], I think they love me back so it is a good relationship. I am really happy to be here and I'm just focused on winning.
"I don't think anyone is really in a rush. I have got two years left on my contract so it is pretty relaxed. Everyone knows my thoughts and I've let you guys know as well so I don't think there's any rush really."