Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says getting Bukayo Saka to sign a new contract is the job of club chiefs and not him. Saka’s contract at Arsenal expires at the end of next season. The 18-year-old academy graduate has starred in recent weeks at left-back under Arteta.
Saka has contributed nine assists and scored three goals in all competitions so far this season.
His preferred position is further up the pitch but has had to fill in at the back due to injuries to Sead Kolasinac and Kieran Tierney.
Saka has been linked with moves to Liverpool and Manchester United but Arteta says he is fully focused in getting the best out of the player on the pitch.
“[Saka’s contract] is something the club has to get sorted,” Arteta told Sky Sports News.
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“My priority is that he continues to play like he is doing and he keeps developing. He is always asking the right questions.
“He is a very brave guy. Every time he gets into the final third, he is trying to cause problems for the opponent. He deserves these chances, he is doing very well and that’s why he is in the team.
“He’s great for the club. If we can get players from the academy and give them real chances even when we have other people fit, it shows we believe in them. He’s responded well.”
Meanwhile, former Arsenal winger Perry Groves is confident Saka will sign a new deal.
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However, Groves has warned the Gunners not to increase the teenager’s wages too high.
“He’s 18 years of age, he’s just got himself into the first-team, he’s playing very well, he’s playing out of position, he’s not a full-back, he’s not a left-back,” Groves said on talkSPORT.
“He’s playing in a four where a maybe wing-back would suit him [more]. He just needs to play as many games as possible.
“He’s 18, he’s not going to call the shots to Arsenal Football Club, no chance.
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“He will sign a decent contract for Arsenal but let’s hope they don’t give him too much, too soon again. Put him on incentives.
“If you’re an agent, they don’t advise the players on what’s necessarily good for their careers, they want to get as much money as possible.
“But if you were around him you would be saying ‘You’re settled now, Arteta’s giving young players a chance, you’ve proved yourself in a position that isn’t your natural position, stay here, if your attitude’s right, you will get games’.”
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