"Represents such an important part of our squad now and for the future" - Mikel Arteta reacts as 'special' Arsenal star signs new contract

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has explained the importance of Bukayo Saka signing a new long-term contract with the club.

Saka, 21, has put pen to paper on a new four-year deal worth a reported £200,000 per week rising to £300,000 a week including bonuses. The young English winger is now the Gunners' best-paid player, per football.london.

Arteta has reacted to Saka signing a new deal at the Emirates by explaining its importance to the project he's overseeing, telling Arsenal's website:

"It’s great for the club that Bukayo has extended his contract. Retaining our best young talents is key to our continued progress, and Bukayo represents such an important part of our squad now and for the future."

The Gunners attacker has been a standout performer for Arteta's side this season. He has scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists in 47 games across competitions. The North Londoners' boss continued by touching not only on Saka's talent but also his personality:

"As well as being a fantastic talent, Bukayo is a special person. He's loved by us all, and he is a credit to himself and his family for the hard work and commitment they have all made to get to this level today."

Saka rose up the ranks at Arsenal before making his debut for the senior team in November 2018. He has since made 178 appearances, scoring 37 goals and contributing 48 assists.

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola tight-lipped over Arsenal-target Ilkay Gundogan's future

Gundogan could head to the Emirates.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has remained coy over Ilkay Gundogan's future, with the German being linked to Arsenal. He's out of contract at the end of the season, and it appears rhR the Gunners are interested.

The Evening Standard reports that Arteta's side have made Gundogan, 32, a key summer transfer target. Guardiola hasn't played down the chances he leaves the Etihad this summer. He said:

"I cannot tell you anything, as I don't know anything."

Gundogan has been in superb form for City this season, scoring nine goals and providing seven assists in 48 appearances across competitions. He's set to make a decision over his future after the UEFA Champions League final on June 10.

The ex-Borussia Dortmund man may follow in the footsteps of his former City teammates Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus. The duo left the Cityzens for Arsenal last summer.