Arsenal look set to attempt to tie down two of their most valuable assets at the end of the 2021/22 campaign.
The pair in question? Mikel Arteta and Bukayo Saka.
Arteta would, of course, take over from Unai Emery during the 2019/20 campaign and would go on to clinch an FA Cup in his first season in charge.
Arteta then finished 8th with Arsenal in his first full season. But, after some smart business in the transfer window regarding both incomings and outgoings, Arsenal look to be heading in the right direction under the Spaniard.
There will be no silverware for the north Londoners this term, but they do look certain to secure some form of European football in 2021/22, with a Champions League place still a real possibility.
As for Saka, he has been one of Arsenal’s most reliable, impressive talents since Arteta took over and could become a true legend of the club if given time.
Now, football.london report that Arsenal are expected to offer Arteta and star player Saka new contracts at the end of the season, with talks likely to begin when the campaign ends in May.
Arsenal’s contact problems
Though nailing down Arteta and Saka to new deals would be great for Arsenal, they do also have some more pressing contract issues to deal with right now.
Both Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are out of contract in June and can now sign pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs.
There are decent arguments for why Arsenal may not wish to hand each player a new deal, with Lacazette now 30 and Nketiah not a regular feature.
But losing two strikers in one window would probably not be great for Arsenal, especially if they have European football next season, which seems likely.
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