Bukayo Saka says he is in ‘no rush’ to sign a new contract amid speculation he could leave Arsenal in the near-future.
But the England international also insists that he is happy at the Emirates and is very determined to win trophies with his boyhood club.
Saka has arguably been Arsenal’s best player of the past few years, having recorded 133 goal contributions in 252 appearances.
It is no surprise that the Gunners’ Premier League title challenge fell apart during the four months he’s just missed thanks to a hamstring injury.
As such, fans are desperate for the club to tie the 23-year-old down to a long-term contract, with his current deal set to expire in 2027.
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Reports say that new sporting director Andrea Berta will begin formal talks with the winger, who currently earns £300,000-a-week after bonuses, very soon.
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has previously expressed his fear that Saka, along with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, will push to leave the Emirates if the club don’t start winning trophies or making moves in the transfer market.
And while Saka says he is ‘relaxed’ about holding contract talks, he made it be known that he sees his future in north London.
‘I want to win and I want to win wearing this badge,’ he said ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final first-leg against Real Madrid.
‘I think it’s pretty clear. The fans know how much I love them and you saw when I came on on Tuesday [against Fulham], I think they love me back.
‘It’s a good relationship and I’m really happy to be here and just focus on winning here.
‘I don’t think anybody’s really in a rush. I’ve got two years left on my contract so it’s pretty relaxed.
‘Everyone knows my thoughts and I’ve let you guys know as well. I don’t think there’s any rush really.’
With Liverpool almost certain to win the Premier League title, the Champions League is Arsenal’s only realistic chance of a trophy this season.
After scoring within minutes of his return to action last week and coming on at half-time in Saturday’s draw at Everton, Saka may be fit enough to start against Real Madrid.
‘He’s in a much better place. Gradually we have built his minutes in the last six or seven days,’ Mikel Arteta said in his pre-match press conference ahead of Tuesday’s match.
‘He’s coped with that really well and he’s in a good place to be able to be used.’
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