Arsenal begin ‘formal talks’ to ensure transfer window starts with huge boost

Mikel Arteta will hope to retain the services of his key players as well as add to his squad this summer (Picture: Getty)Arsenal are set to begin formal talks with Bukayo Saka over a new contract.Mikel Arteta is primed to invest heavily this summer in a squad that looks set to finish as Premier League runners-up for a third season in a row. Having kept their powder dry in January, Arsenal are set to arm their manager with a huge war chest in an effort to overhaul Liverpool and stay ahead of the chasing pack.

While a new striker and a midfielder are certain to be earmarked as priorities, retaining the services of his key players represents an equally important task.Saka penned his last deal in the summer of 2022, but he will no doubt be pushing for a raise on his current £10million-a-year salary after he made such an outstanding start to the current season. Get personalised updates on Arsenal everydayWake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro’s Football Newsletter.



Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we’ll send you so we can get football news tailored to you.The likes of Manchester City were monitoring Saka’s situation the last time his future was a matter of conjecture and interest in a player who has firmly established himself as one of Europe’s best wingers will only intensify should he opt to run his contract into its final 12 months.Arsenal will attempt to head off a potentially disastrous situation by commencing negotiations as soon as possible, according to the BBC, and will feel confident of a positive resolution.

Bukayo Saka is close to making his return from injury (Picture: Getty)Saka’s immediate priority, meanwhile, centres on finishing his rehabilitation ahead of his eagerly anticipated return from injury. The 23-year-old underwent surgery after tearing his hamstring against Crystal Palace in November and has been sorely missed by his team whose attacking options have been decimated since the turn of the year.More to follow.

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