Arsenal news: Arteta to ‘fight tooth and nail’ for Bukayo Saka deal as talks reported- pundit
Alex McLeish has insisted Mikel Arteta will “fight tooth and nail” to tie Bukayo Saka down to a new contract at Arsenal.
The former Scotland boss, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, predicted the Gunners will be able to convince the 20-year-old to commit his future to the club.
As reported by the Athletic’s David Ornstein on Monday (21 March), Arsenal have held initial talks over a potential new and improved deal for the winger.
Saka’s current deal, signed in 2020, reportedly runs until the summer of 2023, with an optional one-year extension clause included in the terms.
The report claims formal talks and an offer could take place soon.
McLeish insisted, after the “torture” Arteta has gone through as manager at Arsenal, he would be doing everything to get Saka signed up.
McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “I think they will tie him down. There’s no way, Arteta will fight tooth and nail to stop anything happening and to prevent him leaving that club.
“The amount of grief Arteta went through when it looked like Arsenal were going to have a dismal season, he’ll think: ‘If I’ve got to go through hall that torture, letting that kid go is going to give me torture again.’
“These are the players you trust and when the manager’s got great trust in players then, I’m telling you, the dugout is a hell of a more comfortable place.”
Saka has played 121 times for the Gunners since breaking through the youth ranks in north London.
His performances have also seen him pick up 14 England caps to date.
In other news, a pundit has told Arsenal to hijack Tottenham’s move for centre-half after source’s reveal.