Arsenal in advanced contract talks with Bukayo Saka
Arsenal are in advanced negotiations with Bukayo Saka over a new long-term contract, as per The Athletic.
The Gunners have made an exceptional start to the current campaign. They are presently leading the Premier League standings with a four-point lead over Manchester City.
There have been a number of stand-out performers during the sublime run and the hierarchy now need to plan for the future by extending the contracts of some of those players.
As per The Athletic, Saka, William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli are among three players whose contracts are being prioritised. However, each of those cases are seemingly unique.
Saliba’s current deal expires in the summer of 2023, but the Gunners have the option for another 12 months.
On the other hand, Saka’s contract concludes in June 2024, and there are no clauses to extend his stay further.
Martinelli’s deal also concludes in the summer of 2024, but the Gunners have a two-year option on him.
Hence, the futures of Saka and Saliba could be the utmost priority over Martinelli’s and The Athletic claim that talks are currently ‘most advanced’ with the former over a new deal.
Saka has big part to play in Arsenal’s future
Saka has been one of the Gunners’ most consistent performers over the past two years. The £63 million-rated star started the current season in a slow fashion, but his form has significantly picked up.
After failing to score or assist in the first three league games, he has contributed a sublime tally of four goals and four assists from the next seven outings in the English top-flight.
At just 21, Saka has already managed 41 goal contributions in the league. The youngster has a big future ahead and Arsenal must ensure that they sort out his future as soon as possible.
He is currently one of the lowest earners at the club at £30,000-a-week. It won’t be a surprise if the attacker is eyeing at least four times his wages after the immense progress made.
Arsenal have made a lot of effort to reduce their wage bill in recent years, but they should anticipate a significant increase hereon with a likely return to the Champions League.
The Gunners are currently on 27 points after 10 matches. A maximum of 48 points from the remaining 28 matches could be sufficient to make the top four. It should be easily achievable.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com and Spotrac.com
