Fabrizio Romano has claimed Arsenal star Bukayo Saka had made it clear to his representatives that he does not want to negotiate with any other club over a summer transfer.
The 21-year-old Englishman is arguably Arsenal’s best player. He has carried the Gunners for a few years now, and a new contract for him is on the Gunners’ priority list.
Romano has now provided a positive update on the situation.
Fabrizio Romano says Bukayo Saka has always wanted to stay at Arsenal
Arsenal have been in talks to extend Bukayo Saka’s contract for over a year now.
The Englishman, branded as a ‘wonderful‘ player by Martin Keown, has been at Arsenal since he was eight. He came through the ranks at Hale End and made his senior debut at 17 – he has developed into a superstar since.
The Gunners used their option to extend Saka’s contract until the summer of 2024 last year, but the plan has always been to tie him down to a long-term deal.
Romano has revealed that Arsenal have been talking to Saka’s agents for 13 months, and a deal was finally agreed last week. Even though it took over a year, what made it easier for the Gunners was the fact that the 21-year-old had absolutely zero interest in negotiating with another club
His priority has always been to stay at Arsenal.
Romano tweeted yesterday: “Bukayo Saka has always been clear in the last year: no negotiations with other clubs, he only wanted to stay at Arsenal as he loves club, project, coach.
“New deal agreed one week ago after 13 months talks — it will be signed once final details and documents are sorted.”
Our View:
A deal is not signed just yet, but it does look like Arsenal are very close to getting this done.
That is a humongous boost for the Gunners, who know better than most top clubs how painful it is to lose their best players to rival teams – Robin van Persie, Samir Nasri, Ashley Cole, the list goes on.
Saka signing a new contract just weeks after Gabriel Martinelli did the same will give a huge lift to everyone at the club. That could play a massive part in the title race in the next three months.
Arsenal take on Everton next and Saka is almost guaranteed to start.
