Arsenal begin contract talks with star forward Bukayo Saka

North London club Arsenal are set to open formal talks with England forward Bukayo Saka over a new contract as the forward enters the final two years of his current deal.

Saka has established himself as one of the club's biggest contributors in recent years and they understand that he will attract a lot of interest from clubs both in England and abroad if they fail to tie him to a new contract.

Saka has been unavailable since December after sustaining a serious hamstring injury in the victory over Crystal Palace.

His importance to Mikel Arteta's team remains unquestioned with the club preparing to meet the player's representatives over a contract extension.

The BBC reports that Arsenal want to avoid any uncertainty regarding their star player's future and will make securing Saka to a longer contract one of their top priorities.

The 23-year-old England international signed his current contract in 2022. That contract is due to expire in the Summer of 2027.

Clubs across Europe will.be waiting to pounce.

To emphasize Saka's importance; before signing his existing deal, Saka was the subject of interest from Manchester City and there will be no shortage of suitors again if club talks do not go smoothly, the report states.

Arsenal will hope that Saka makes a return to competitive action in April.

Head coach Mikel Arteta recently stated that he expects the forward back soon.

"He is walking on grass and we are slowly integrating him. We hope to have him back soon. He is important to us, he said in the aftermath of Arsenal's 1-0 win over Chelsea in the Premier League over the weekend," said Arteta.

Arsenal are second in the Premier League but trail leaders Liverpool by 12 points.

They take on Real Madrid in the quarters of the Champions League in April.