Mikel Arteta has provided a positive update on Bukayo Saka's contract situation at Arsenal. The England international scored as Arsenal beat Everton 2-0 at the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore in their first friendly of their US preseason tour, but there is still uncertainty over his future.
He only signed an extension as recently as 2020, but that deal is set to expire in 2024, meaning that the Gunners could risk losing Saka for a reduced fee next summer if they don't get a deal done soon.
football.london understands that renewing the Hale Ender's deal is a priority for Edu this summer and now Arteta has provided the latest on the likelihood of that happening.
READ MORE: Every word Mikel Arteta said on Saka's contract, Saliba's performance and Jesus' best position
"We will try," the Spaniard told football.london when asked about the likelihood of a deal being struck this summer. "We both have the same intention. It’s a matter of time."
Saka has quickly established himself as an integral member of Arsenal's attack and was their top scorer last season with 12 goals in all competitions. This unsurprisingly saw him linked to both Manchester City and Liverpool earlier this summer although those rumours appear to have gone cold.
City claimed that they are not interested in purchasing the 20-year-old, and recently extended the contract of left-footed right winger Riyad Mahrez. Liverpool meanwhile have brought in forward players Darwin Nunez and Fabio Carvalho this summer, while also sorting a contract extension of their own for Mohamed Salah.
Arsenal remain hopeful of securing an extension for Saka sooner rather than later. The England international formed part of an exciting looking forward line that included Gabriel Martinelli and new signing Gabriel Jesus on Saturday night at the M&T Bank Stadium.
Having completed the Baltimore leg of their US tour the Gunners will now travel to Orlando on Sunday. There they will take on Orlando City before rounding off the trip with a game against London rivals Chelsea.
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