Arsenal positive about new deal for emerging star despite Borussia Dortmund interest: report
|Arsenal are increasingly optimistic that Bukayo Saka will commit his future to the club by signing a fresh long-term contract.
The 18-year-old has enjoyed a terrific breakthrough season with the Gunners this term and he has contributed three goals and nine assists from 29 appearances in all competitions.
Since December, Saka has mostly featured in an unfamiliar left-back position for the Gunners but he has not looked overwhelmed by the challenge offered to him.
According to Football.London’s James Benge, the north London side are already in negotiations over a new contract with the teenager but there has not been ‘significant’ progress.
However, the club’s hierarchy are growing optimistic that the youngster will sign a new deal beyond June 2021 despite the long-term interest from Borussia Dortmund.
Saka is primarily a left-sided winger but he has played as the makeshift left-back over the past few months with the injuries to Kieran Tierney and Sead Kolasinac.
He has shown the willingness and desire to make an impact from the defensive position and this has definitely pleased manager Mikel Arteta, who prefers to work with players with no complaints over the roles assigned to them.
Apart from Saka, the Gunners are in negotiations with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang over an extension beyond June 2020. A recent report has claimed that Aubameyang is reluctant to sign a fresh deal unless the club are assured of European football next term.