Arsenal to begin talks with current star over new contract

Arsenal return to action on Boxing Day as they host West Ham United at The Emirates. 

Mikel Arteta’s side currently hold a five-point lead over reigning champions Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table, and they will be hoping to maintain or even extend that advantage when the top flight returns.

The Gunners will, however, be without Gabriel Jesus, who suffered a knee injury while on international duty with Brazil at the World Cup.

The striker’s absence means that Eddie Nketiah could be given an opportunity to impress up front, or alternatively Gabriel Martinelli could be used more centrally.

With Jesus missing, Arteta will be relying even more on the likes of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard to spearhead his side’s attacking threat.

Both Saka and Odegaard have been in sensational form so far this term, and their manager will be hoping that they can continue to impress.

Now, the former is being lined up for contract talks as Arsenal look to ensure he stays put.

On his CaughtOffside Daily Briefing, Fabrizio Romano claims that the club will soon begin talks with Saka over a new contract.

The England international has established himself as one of the club’s most important players over the past few seasons, but he has less than two years remaining on his current deal.

Arsenal are hoping to persuade Saka to commit his long-term future to the club

It had been rumoured that a number of clubs, including Manchester City, are interested in signing the winger, but Arsenal are now launching an attempt to secure the player’s future.

Romano claims that the club will discuss a new deal with Saka’s agents in the coming weeks and months, and he also reveals that both Gabriel Martinelli and WIlliam Saliba could also be in line for new deals.

Saka, 21, was in fine form for England during the World Cup in Qatar.

The forward scored three goals, including a brace against Iran, and was arguably the most impressive performer during The Three Lions’ quarter-final defeat to France.

This season, Saka has scored five goals and registered six assists in 20 matches across all competitions, with his form having helped propel Arsenal to the top of the table.

Since making his debut for the club during the 2018/19 campaign, Saka has played more than 150 times for Arsenal, scoring a total of 28 goals.