Arsenal make progress on star’s new contract

Arsenal welcome Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt to The Emirates on Thursday, hoping to continue their excellent start to the season by moving top of their Europa League group.

Mikel Arteta’s side have won seven of their eight matches in the Premier League and currently sit top of the pile, a point ahead of Manchester City.

They also won their Europa League opener against FC Zurich, and now continue their campaign with a game against Bodo/Glimt.

Arteta could make changes to his side for the game, with the likes of Ben White, Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka potentially being rested.

The latter, who has started all eight games so far this season, is set to be out of contract next summer, and Arsenal are looking to tie him down to a new deal.

Now, The Gunners have made progress in negotiations with the player, according to Football Insider.

The report claims that the two parties are close to reaching an agreement over a new deal, which could last until 2027.

Saka, 21, is reportedly ready to sign a new contract worth almost £200,000-per-week, with an agreement having been reached in principle.

Saka is close to signing a new deal

That figure would put him amongst the club’s top earners, alongside the likes of Thomas Partey and Jesus.

Over the course of the five years, the deal will earn the Englishman around £52 million, it is claimed.

The England international has scored one goal and provided four assists so far this season, taking his goal tally to 24 in 140 games for the club.

Ever since making his debut for the club in 2018, the winger has established himself as a crucial part of the Arsenal side, under former manager Unai Emery and now current boss Arteta.

The academy graduate is also versatile and has played in a number of roles on the left, including at left-back and as part of a front three, but has largely featured on the right this season.

Saka last penned a new contract two years ago, which is set to expire next year.

His teammates William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli have also entered into the final 12 months of their respective contracts, although it remains to be seen whether or not they will sign new deals.