Young and old to benefit as Arsenal ready bumper new deals for key Emirates duo
Arsenal are reportedly ready to offer bumper new deals to boss Mikel Arteta and winger Bukayo Saka this summer.
The Gunners are planning for the future, with offers to tie down their manager and one of their best young stars on the table for when the current campaign comes to an end.
Football.London states that Spaniard Arteta will be offered new terms. His current deal expires in the summer of 2023.
Arteta won the FA Cup in his first campaign in charge of the club. And despite some ups and downs, the Gunners are well in the mix for a top-four finish this season.
The report also states that the north London giants are fully behind Arteta’s vision for the future.
Saka, meanwhile, has taken his game up another level since starring for England at Euro 2020.
The attacker has 11 goal contributions across all competitions this term. Indeed, he has already netted more times this campaign than he did in the whole of last season.
Arsenal savings on Aubamayeng will enable a huge summer
They may have lost out big for now, but in the long run, Arsenal may have set themselves up for success.
The 20-year-old’s current contract runs out in the summer of 2024. However, Arsenal want to upgrade his deal to reflect his importance to the team.
The report finishes by stating that head of football operations Richard Garlick will be the man tasked with negotiating the deals.
Vlahovic reveals reasons for Arsenal, Tottenham snubs
Meanwhile, Dusan Vlahovic has denied it was difficult to turn down Arsenal after explaining why he is a perfect match for new employers Juventus.
Serbian striker Vlahovic was a major target for Arsenal, among other admirers, throughout the January transfer window. He would have taken their attack to the next level amid uncertainties surrounding the futures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah.
Ultimately, the latter duo stayed (but are out of contract at the end of the season). But Aubameyang is completing a move to Barcelonaand will not be replaced.
Arsenal could therefore regret missing out on Vlahovic – but it seems like they never had much of a chance once Juventus got involved.
The Serie A side signed the centre-forward from Fiorentinafor a fee in the region of €80m.
And speaking at his unveiling press conference, Vlahovic has now confirmed it was a simple choice to sign for Juventus.
He said: “There were many rumours about foreign clubs, but the choice was easy because the club and I have a similar DNA. Fight and suffer when needed.
“I think it’s part of my mentality as well, so the choice was not difficult.”
Indeed, he emphasised his delight by saying: “I am thrilled and proud to have signed with Juventus. A glorious club.
“I am ready to give my best for the team and obtain great results. I want to thank the Juventus president and all the people that brought me here.”
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