Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes that Manchester City target Bukayo Saka is close to signing a contract extension with the Gunners.

It was reported early last month that the Citizens were stepping up their interest in the 20-year-old, with the belief that the player may not sign a new deal with Arsenal, but Arteta says he is confident that an agreement is within reach:

“We will try and we both have the same intention and it’s a matter of time.”

There was some hope that Saka would be open to leaving the Emirates if the Gunners didn’t qualify for the Champions League, but it appears his commitment to the London club has led to him casting aside some of his ambitions.

The Englishman, who has been capped 18 times by his country, could have been seen as a replacement for either Raheem Sterling or Gabriel Jesus who have both left City this summer.

However, Arteta’s remarks about Saka do suggest that manager Pep Guardiola may have to look elsewhere if he wants to strengthen his options in wide areas.