Arsenal are reportedly still hopeful that they can extend Bukayo Saka‘s contract in the near future.
Since graduating from the club’s academy, the 20-year-old has established himself as one of the first-team’s key players, already making a total of 131 appearances in all competitions.
As many as 23 goals and 29 assists have been recorded during those outings, a return which has naturally led to a number of top European clubs taking an interest.
Nevertheless, according to the Evening Standard, the Gunners hierarchy remain confident that they will be able to hand fresh terms to the England international.
The report claims that discussions will be held between the relevant parties once Saka has completed international duty with England, the final fixture of their four-game stint coming on June 14.
As it stands, Saka’s deal is due to expire in 2024, leaving Arsenal under little immediate pressure to find a positive resolution to talks.
However, the longer that Saka opts against extending his stay at the Emirates Stadium, speculation will persist regarding a transfer elsewhere.
Earlier this week, it was claimed that Manchester City were ready to step up their interest in the versatile wide player with Pep Guardiola said to be an admirer.
A further report has since denied that suggestion, but the rumours would have done nothing to help the uneasiness regarding the situation behind the scenes at Arsenal.
At a time when Arsenal have once again missed out on Champions League, Saka would allegedly prefer for a release clause to be included in any new contract.
Saka’s only experience of continental football has been in the Europa League with four goals and nine assists being contributed from his 17 appearances in that competition.
Before the youngster penned his previous contract extension in 2020, Liverpool were suggested as a potential destination, even with the player having not established himself in the Arsenal starting lineup at that point.
With the futures of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah very much in doubt, there is scope for Liverpool reigniting their interest if Saka’s contract is still due to run out in 2024.
