Mikel Arteta confident over new deal for Arsenal graduate

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said that he is very positive about the prospect of Bukayo Saka signing a new long-term deal with the club.

The 18-year-old has enjoyed a superb breakthrough season with the Gunners and he has bagged three goals and nine assists from 31 appearances.

Speaking ahead of the Southampton game, Arteta revealed that the club have been in regular contact with Saka and his entourage over a renewal.

The Spaniard added that is pretty positive about the prospect of Saka signing a new deal beyond the summer of 2021.

"I am very positive that everything is going to be done with Bukayo very shortly," he was quoted as saying by Goal.com.

"The communication between the club, agents and the family has been going on for months and is very fluent."

Saka has started both of the Gunners' games since the restart.

With left-back duo Kieran Tierney and Sead Kolasinac back to full fitness, he has operated in a midfield role.