Following reports in the last few days, Mikel Arteta has confirmed Arsenal are planning to hold contract extension talks with Bukayo Saka.

Speaking in his pre-Wolves press conference, Mikel Arteta confirmed that Arsenal will hold talks with Bukayo Saka’s camp over a new contract.

“It is a conversation we are going to have with the player, then his agent, his family — [talks] which are going to be extremely important as well — so everybody is on board,” Arteta said.

“Obviously, our desire is to keep Bukayo as long as possible, because we are really happy. He is part of our club, our DNA, he is growing, he is maturing.

“His importance in the team is unquestionable and we want to keep our best talent, that’s for sure.”

The Athletic previously reported that a new contract for Bukayo Saka is a priority, following Football.London’s claims this week that Arsenal will look to reward Saka’s progress by offering him an extension at the end of the season.

The winger currently has a deal lasting to 2024, but his new contract would reflect his role as one of the team’s key players.

But the Daily Mail add that concerns are growing about Arsenal’s ability to tie Saka down without Champions League football.

Arsenal are ready and willing to offer Saka a big pay-rise, but that won’t be the only factor in the player’s decision.

The Mail claim it will be “significantly harder” to extend Saka’s deal if Arsenal don’t finish in the top four.

One of the benefits of Arsenal’s recent trimming of the squad, with more departures expected in the summer, is that they have more money to play with in contract negotiations.

The finances shouldn’t be an issue, but there are no guarantees Arsenal will make the top four, which leaves the outcome of those negotiations up in the air.

Saka is Arsenal’s joint-leading goal contributor this season, with 10 goals and assists in the Premier League and one in the League Cup.

That puts him level with Emile Smith Rowe, who signed a contract extension of his own in the summer.