Bukayo Saka is yet to pen a new contract at Arsenal with his on-pitch exploits only increasing their need to keep hold of him.
The young forward scored again in their win over Manchester United with his display earning him the Man of the Match award. Saka has continued to step up this term for a Gunners outfit that have their sights set on the Premier League title and, for some, he has emerged as their most important player.
In the background though the north London club are hoping to secure Saka's long-term future. Contract negotiations have been going on for months, but nothing has yet been agreed. The player's value has sky rocketed and his representatives will want a contract that reflects that value.
Interested parties are no doubt keeping tabs on the situation - and the longer it goes on the more concern will increase. Saka's current deal runs until 2024, which comes as a result of Arsenal triggering a 12 month extension in his contract.
Arteta admitted earlier this season that it was a distraction, but they are still search for a resolution several months on. He said in August: “I am very confident that we as a club and Bukayo and his family and agent are all aligned and now it’s about putting that on a piece of paper. I would like that to get done because I don’t want players to be distracted in the season. But those things take time.”
Mirror Football reported in November that Saka could be about to treble his wages, which are currently £70,000-a-week. That is yet to happen though and the two parties remain in talks. For their part, Arsenal are also looking to finalise the futures of Gabriel Martinelli and William Saliba.
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Arsenal though have been warned that Saka will be attracting attention from Europe's heavyweights such is his experience, quality and mentality. Roy Keane told Sky Sports: "For such a young player he’s already had a lot of experience."
"He’s already got his hands on a trophy in the FA Cup, he’s had a big disappointment with England in terms of missing the penalty [in the European Championships final]. He got a lot of criticism for that but he bounced back well, which shows you good signs. The key for the player himself is that he looks like he goes out and enjoys the game.
"He looks like a really nice lad away from the game which always helps but when he’s playing, he can beat a man. When you’re playing for the big clubs you need one or two players that can beat a man because that changes the picture in football matches. I like everything about him. I think he can go and play for any of the big clubs in Europe and play for them and i’m including Real Madrid in that.
"I think he’s that good. I think he’s fantastic. What a talent. I love watching him."
