Mikel Arteta gives update on Bukayo Saka contract situation with Man City lurking

Mikel Arteta says Bukayo Saka is close to signing a new contract with Arsenal.

Saka has evolved into one of Arsenal’s most influential stars but his long-term future at the Emirates has come under doubt with both Liverpool and Manchester City linked with moves.

Recent reports have suggested the Premier League champions view the England international as a ‘dream’ replacement for Raheem Sterling, who completed a move to Chelsea this week.

Saka is said to be among the lowest earners among the Arsenal squad, reportedly on a deal worth £30,000-per-week.

The Gunners are desperate to tie him down to a new deal with Arteta insisting both the club and the player are close to getting it done.

‘We will try and we both have the same intention and it’s a matter of time,’ Arteta said.

The Spaniard was speaking after a 2-0 friendly win over Everton in Baltimore. Gabriel Jesus was once again among the goals having also scored in the 5-3 win over Nurnberg last week with Arteta pleased win another solid preseason showing.

‘It was good, two really different halves. I think the first half we were really good, really intense,’ Arteta said.

‘We understood where the spaces were and the execution was really good. We were a threat all the time, we had a lot of bodies attacking.

‘We were really direct, the counter press was top, I really liked that we conceded nothing. The second half we started a bit sloppy. We changed the formation and we had too many giveaways, it didn’t give us control of the match.

‘We last 20 minutes we changed again and I think we got control again. Overall the boys have done what they are doing in training. They are training really well, really high intensity in every session and you can see the way they play.’

Arsenal