Thomas Partey is hopeful that Bukayo Saka will stay with Arsenal for a ‘long-time’ as talk around the Arsenal youngster’s contract continues to grow.

Arsenal's English striker Bukayo Saka (L), Arsenal's Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey (C) and teammates warm up ahead of the English Premier League football match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal at the Molineux stadium in Wolverhampton, central England on February 2, 2021. - 14 (Photo by NICK POTTS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s English striker Bukayo Saka (L), Arsenal’s Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey (C) and teammates warm up ahead of the English Premier League football match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal at the Molineux stadium in Wolverhampton, central England on February 2, 2021. – 14 (Photo by NICK POTTS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal don’t seem that worried about losing Bukayo Saka and the Arsenal youngster seems in no hurry to go anywhere else, despite the nonsense pundits are trying to fill his head with.

Speaking to the media, Thomas Partey was keen to emphasise Saka’s quality, and his hopes for the future.

“He’s one of the best young players in the world now,” Partey said.

“He’s doing a great job. I hope he stays with us for a long time and does what he can, and tries to take this team far.”

Mikel Arteta thinks Bukayo Saka is happy at Arsenal, amid the conversations surrounding the player’s long-term future.

Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta (R) speaks witj Arsenal's English midfielder Bukayo Saka (L) during the English League Cup semi-final first leg football match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on January 13, 2022. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Spanish manager Mikel Arteta (R) speaks with Arsenal’s English midfielder Bukayo Saka (L) during the English League Cup semi-final first leg football match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield in Liverpool, northwest England on January 13, 2022. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s weekend clash against Watford, Mikel Arteta gave his thoughts on Bukayo Saka.

Saka has been in the news a lot lately as speculation starts to mount on a possible new contract, and Arteta believes the winger is happy where he is.

“I think he is happy with his teammates, he is happy being at the club and he is enjoying it,” Arteta said.

“I think his biggest improvement is the level of consistency he’s playing with. To have moments is fine. A lot of players can do that. But to play consistently at that level is very difficult.”

Fabrizio Romano reports that many top clubs around Europe are following Saka, across all the top leagues.

Yet when questioned on Saka’s future, a source close to the player responded said similar things to Arteta. Namely that he really loves Arsenal, the city, and the people are the club.

As a result, Saka isn’t currently planning to leave, though extension talks won’t take place until the summer.

Arsenal are keen to hand Saka a new deal, there are positive feelings on both sides right now, but the focus is on the race for the Champions League for the time being.

arsenal v brentford premier league 3
LONDON, ENGLAND: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrates after scoring their side’s second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Brentford at Emirates Stadium on February 19, 2022. (Photo by Shaun Botterill / Getty Images)

The Athletic previously reported that a new contract for Saka is a priority, following Football.London’s claims 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.