Mikel Arteta responds to Bukayo Saka new contract hint
- Bukayo Saka's current Arsenal contract expires in the summer of 2027
- Winger recently returned from injury lay-off in big boost to Gunners
- Saka's star quality highlighted by Mikel Arteta ahead of Brentford visit
Mikel Arteta has admitted he was "very glad" to hear Bukayo Saka hint at committing to a new contract at Arsenal.
The 23-year-old's 2024/25 campaign has been severely disrupted by a hamstring injury suffered before Christmas, with Saka spending over three months on the sidelines before returning in style to score in Arsenal's 2-1 win over Fulham.
Saka took a back seat in midweek as Declan Rice's stunning brace handed Arsenal the initiative in their Champions League quarter-final tie with Real Madrid, but his influence was missed hugely as the club's Premier League title hopes faded away in late February.
Dropped points against West Ham United, Nottingham Forest and Manchester United all but ended Arsenal's hopes of chasing down Liverpool, with a distinct lack of creativity in Saka's absence a pertinent issue.
With the 43-cap England international now fit and firing, Arteta spoke of his importance ahead of the weekend clash with Brentford, where he touched on Saka's promising comments about signing a new contract in north London – his current deal runs until the summer of 2027.
"He is very important," the Spaniard told the assembled media. "He gives us a level of threat and unpredictability that probably no other player can provide, especially with the connection that he has built in and around the team.
"He has the power to lift the stadium which is incredible because shifting the energy in a stadium is something that is really difficult to do and when a player is able to do that, that is a great quality to have.
"He is so humble, very committed to the club and has very deep roots connected to this football club. I am very glad to hear that he wants to stay with us and win with us."
Saka has played just 18 of Arsenal's 31 Premier League games this season, but has still managed to notch up 16 goal contributions – six goals and ten assists. Only Mohamed Salah, who signed a new two-year contract with Liverpool on Friday, has created more top-flight goals.
A further four goals and two assists in the Champions League further emphasises Saka's importance to Arsenal, and they will be hoping for a big performance from him in the Santiago Bernabeu when they look to hold off any potential comeback from Real Madrid, who have won the competition a record 15 times.
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