Arsenal hold ‘initial talks’ with Bukayo Saka over a new and improved contract

Arsenal have opened talks with Bukayo Saka over a new and improved contract at the Emirates Stadium.

The 20-year-old is enjoying his best season yet, with his strike in the 1-0 win over Aston Villa being his ninth Premier League goal of the season.

Saka’s growing importance to Mikel Arteta’s side is reflected in their determination to reward the star with a new contract. 

The Athletic have reported that an initial discussion has taken place over an improved deal.

Saka, who signed his last contract in 2020, is understood to have one more year on his contract after this season.

Arsenal do have the option to extend his current contract by a further year and they are expected to activate that clause if a fresh agreement isn’t reached.  

Arsenal are determined to sign him to a new deal due to his growing importance at Arsenal

As Saka’s stock continues to rise, the Gunners are looking to sort out his future and sign him to a longer deal as ‘quickly as possible’ to fend off any teams that might be interested. 

The financial package involved in the offer and whether Arteta’s men qualify for the Champions League are likely to be important factors in the process. 

Saka came through the club’s academy and made his first Premier League appearance in January 2019 as a late substitute in a 4-1 victory over Fulham.

He has already gone on to make 121 appearances for the club, scoring 21 goals.

His success this season comes after his heartbreaking penalty miss in the Euro 2020 final

Saka is also now a regular for England, making 14 appearances and scoring four goals.

His impressive season with the Gunners comes off his heartbreak at Euro 2020, when his decisive penalty was saved in the final against Italy.  

The goal against Aston Villa strengthened Arsenal’s grip on fourth spot and they now hold a three-point advantage over Tottenham with a game in hand.