Arteta 'pressures' Saka to pen new deal after Saliba signs until 2030

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta recently nudged star winger Bukayo Saka to extend his contract at the club after centre-back William Saliba committed his future to the sporting institution. 

Saka, 24, came up through the ranks at Arsenal and has a deal that expires in 2027. The England international has less than two years left; hence, talks of a renewal have begun. 

Given Saliba’s recent long-term contract extension until 2030, amid interest from Real Madrid, Mikel Arteta discussed Saka’s future. 

In the pre-match press conference ahead of the Premier League clash against Newcastle this weekend, Arteta was asked about Saka’s contract situation and if the Hale End Academy graduate will also sign a long-term renewal. 

He replied saying, “I would love that,” per Goal. "From everything that I know, he is a player that is extremely happy and proud to have the role that he has at the football club.

"Things will develop in a natural way, like they always do, and everyone knows how important Bukayo is for us. Hopefully we can do it.”

Meanwhile, Super Eagles legend John Mikel Obi is the latest to criticise Mikel Arteta for his conservative set-up for the Premier League clash against rivals Manchester City.

The Gunners played a 1-1 draw against the Cityzens last weekend, limiting Pep Guardiola’s side to the lowest possession tally in the Spaniard's nine years at the club. But many, including Mikel, believed they would have won the game had they not initially set up so convincingly.