Arsenal are reportedly now "very close" to signing Bukayo Saka to a new long-term contract.

The 21-year-old has again been a key player for the Gunners in the early stages of the campaign, featuring on seven occasions in all competitions, contributing one goal and two assists in the process.

Saka's existing deal at the Emirates Stadium is due to expire in the summer of 2024, but there has been widespread talk surrounding a fresh contract over the last few months.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta recently said that he was "very confident" the England international would soon pen an extension.

"I'm very confident that we as a club, Bukayo, his family, his agent, everybody, we are very much aligned with what we want to achieve," Arteta told reporters last month. "Now it's about putting it on a piece of paper.

"I would like that to get done because I don't want the player or anybody to be distracted while we are in the middle of the season, but those things take time."

Saka, who came through the youth system at Arsenal, later suggested that he will soon sign a new and improved contract in North London.

"Yes, I share his (Arteta's) confidence. He knows when to speak to me, it's not too much but it's not too little and the different bits of advice he gives me are special and it makes such a difference.

"I really feel at home here. I really feel the love from my teammates, my coaches and the fans as well. I really feel loved here."

According to journalist Pete O'Rourke, the deal is now "very close to being agreed", with Arsenal expected to make an announcement in the near future.

"It seems all the noises coming out of Arsenal – from their camp as well as Saka's camp – is that this deal is very close to being agreed, which will be a huge boost to everybody connected to the club," O'Rourke told GIVEMESPORT.

Saka made his first-team debut for Arsenal in 2018, and he has now represented the club on 138 occasions in all competitions, contributing 24 goals and 31 assists in the process.

The England international played 43 times in all competitions for the Gunners in 2021-22, contributing 12 goals and seven assists during an impressive campaign.

Arteta's side had been due to take on PSV Eindhoven in the Europa League on Thursday, but the match was postponed due to the logistics surrounding the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.

Sunday's Premier League clash with Brentford, though, has been given the green light to go ahead. body check tags ::