Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta Expresses Desire for Bukayo Saka Contract Extension Following William Saliba‘s Commitment
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has indicated his eagerness for Bukayo Saka too follow William Saliba’s lead and sign a new contract with the club. The news comes after Arteta revealed Saliba, 24, reaffirmed his commitment to Arsenal despite reported interest from Real Madrid.Arteta’s comments underscore the club’s ambition to retain its key players as it pursues its first league title in 22 years, with the spaniard’s only trophy to date being the 2020 FA Cup.
Arteta disclosed that Saliba expressed a clear desire to remain at Arsenal, stating, “When I sat down with William and I asked him the question, he said: ‘No, I want to stay here, I want to play for you, and I’m vrey happy’ in his own way, so that was great to hear.” Saliba has been named to the PFA Team of the Year for the past three seasons and has been “instrumental in everything we’ve done in the last few years,” according to Arteta, who emphasized the importance of players wanting to “continue with us, they want to win with us, they want to continue to grow as a player in this environment.”
The confirmation of Saliba’s continued commitment is a significant boost for Arsenal ahead of their match against Newcastle on Sunday. Captain Martin Ødegaard is expected to return from a shoulder injury, while Noni madueke and kai Havertz remain sidelined with knee problems. Arsenal currently trails league leaders Liverpool by five points, having lost four of their last five visits to St James’ Park.
