Edu Gaspar claims contract talks with Bukayo Saka are going well and the player is happy and comfortable with Arsenal right now.
Speculation continues to circulate around the future of Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka, but Arsenal technical director Edu Gaspar says things are going well.
“Good, very good. Everybody is happy,” Edu said, before responding to questions about the delay in an extension.
“It’s normal. We’re going to sit and put all the expectations in the right place. Our expectations and his, his family, and his agent’s expectations, and put everything together.
“The main thing is how he feels, how he feels comfortable with us. He’s happy, we’re happy, so it’s just: sit down and find a solution.”
The Daily Mail recently reported that Arsenal have now submitted a formal offer to extend Saka’s contract, worth at least double his current wages of £70,000 per week.
Saka hasn’t accepted the offer yet, and it remains to be seen how he’ll respond, but the Mail report that there’s confidence on Arsenal’s end that a deal can be struck.
Arsenal’s failure to finish in the top four last season reportedly didn’t help their case, but the Gunners are hoping that a big summer of business will help to convince the winger.
Fabrizio Romano recently reported for Caught Offside that talks over a contract extension have been ongoing between Arsenal and Saka since February.
Romano reports that Arsenal are Saka’s priority, he loves the club, and their negotiations have clearly now led to a formal offer.
The Mail previously wrote that Manchester City have identified Saka as a long-term target, though it’s reportedly highly unlikely Arsenal would consider selling this summer.
Speaking after Arsenal’s win over Everton in Baltimore on Saturday night, Mikel Arteta claimed both parties are on the same page in negotiations.
“We will try, and we both have the same intention,” Arteta said. “It’s a matter of time.”
After 43 appearances, 12 goals, and seven assists for Arsenal last season, Saka picked up the Premier League’s Academy Graduate award for 2021/22, and Arsenal’s Player of the Season award.