“We will try”: Mikel Arteta on contract situation of Liverpool-linked superstar

Mikel Arteta believes Liverpool-linked Bukayo Saka will sign a new contract

Bukayo Saka looks set to extend his contract at Arsenal with Liverpool circling. The Reds have been linked with the England international this summer.

Saka had been talked of as a potential replacement for Sadio Mane on Merseyside. Mohamed Salah’s contract uncertainty at the time also prompted suggestions of Liverpool moving in for the 20-year-old.

But it seems Saka is ready to pledge his future with the Gunners. Mikel Arteta, speaking on the England international’s contract situation at the club via the Express, claimed that an agreement was just “a matter of time”.

“We will try.”

“And we both have the same intention and it’s a matter of time.”

Saka broke into the Arsenal side in the 2019/20 season as the Gunners were short on left-back options. Playing mostly as a full-back, the 20-year-old was one of the breakout stars of that season.

Saka soon became a regular at Arsenal. He’s been tried in various positions over the years. But last season, the youngster made a place for himself on the North London club’s right side of attack.

Saka featured in every Premier League game for Arsenal. The 20-year-old scored 12 goals and gave seven assists in all competitions. The Gunners barely missed out on a top-four spot.

Saka is also a full England international. In the national side’s run to the Euro final, the 20-year-old was a key member of the squad for Gareth Southgate, who decided to bring the Gooner on to inject some energy in the forward line.

It would be a coup if Liverpool were able to prize away such a talent from their PL rivals. Saka is one of the biggest prospects in world football right now.

But fans will feel we are set for at least the coming years. Mohamed Salah pledged his future to the club recently while Darwin Nunez was signed at the beginning of the summer. Liverpool fans will hope the Uruguayan can fill the void left by Mane.

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Liverpool have other talented options in the side. Youngsters Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho are also capable of playing in the attack. But it remains to be seen what Saka decides in the future and whether Merseyside is a compelling destination then.