Arteta to demand more from Bukayo Saka after new Arsenal deal

Bukayo Saka - With Arsenal deal pending, receives Liverpool interest

After Arsenal sorted out its defence last week, Gunners addressed the contract extension of its academy frown Bukayo Saka and locked him with new long term deal.

The Gunners were under increasing pressure to tie him to the Emirates Stadium following reports that Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund were interested in signing the 18-year-old.

Saka has made 33 appearances this season with 25 of those coming as a starter. He scored his first goal for the club in a Europa League win over Frankfurt before bagging his first Premier League goal against Aston Villa.

Details of the contract is not published but Arsenal are steadily stitching all loose ends on securing contract extension for its key players before the end of the Premier League season. The contract for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is still being discussed, and hopefully will be finalised soon.

Reactions from Bukayo Saka and Mikel Arteta

London is my home. Arsenal my team. I’m so happy to finally announce my contract extension. I love playing for this club and I’m looking forward to what the future holds.. The hard work continues so I can continue living my dream. God is Great !!

Bukayo Saka, after Arsenal deal

In that occasion he also talked about his managers who had faith in him and helped him to improve.

For starters, I just want to say I have to mention Unai Emery for the amount he believed in me, the opportunity he gave me, I’ll forever be grateful.

And then of course, Freddie Ljungberg, who has always gone out of his way to advise me and make sure I’m improving every day.

These are the coaches I’ve played under before, but Mikel, he’s just amazing you know.

He manages to give so much detail, while at the same time being so clear. It’s just amazing to have such a great coach. The future looks bright, and that’s why I’m happy to be here.”

Bukayo Saka, on the influence past and present Arsenal coaches have on his progress as a first team player.

Mikel Arteta had all the praise for Saka after his contract was extended. as the Spaniard intends to squeeze every ounce of talent from the talented left winger.

Bukayo is a talented and intelligent young player.

He has impressed me with his work ethic and attitude to learn and adapt, and it has paid off in his performances. I am excited to continue working with him to develop him further, and for him to help us achieve our goals.

Mikel Arteta, Manager -Arsenal

This is something everyone involved wanted to happen and we are delighted that Bukayo has signed a new long-term contract.

He’s making great progress and is one of a number of young players who have developed through our academy. This is so important for us as we move forward as a club.”

Edu, Technical Director, Arsenal

The Spanish coach had also talked about Saka during post-match interview, as Arsenal punished Norwich 4-0 to jumped to seventh spot in premier league table.

He is the player that represents every value that this football club stands for… He’s come through the academy, so big credit to everyone who has been involved in the process of developing the player and the person that he is today.

He’s come into my hands, our hands, really mature, really focused and really well developed in his knowledge about what he needs to do in the game, and it was really important for me to keep him and have big belief in him.

From now on, I will be demanding more because he can give us more and more hopefully in the future. Saka has been a stand-out performer this season for Arsenal, playing 33 times in all competitions.

He has continued to impress, predominantly in a wing-back role, since he made his Premier League debut at the age of 17 in the 4-1 win over Fulham last season.

Mikel Arteta, on the character that Bukayo Saka had shown till his debut following Arsenal’s 4-0 win against Norwich