Fabrizio Romano drops Bukayo Saka bomb as Berta takes quick decision

Robin Bairner

Updated: 31 Mar 2025 17:00 BST
4 min read

Bukayo Saka, Arsenal, Fabrizio Romano, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Arsenal are set to engage in new contract talks with Bukayo Saka imminently as sporting director Andrea Berta makes a swift impact at the Emirates Stadium.

Article continues under the video

Saka has endured a frustrating season with the Gunners, suffering a hamstring injury in December that has seen him pinned to the sidelines as the club’s Premier League title challenge faded.

Current ETV

Bukayo Saka

F, M (R)

Arsenal

Bukayo Saka

F, M (R)

Arsenal

ETV Range

€101.8M - €124.4M

The 23-year-old star is close to returning to action and will be seeking to add to the nine goals and 14 assists that he has already tallied this season.

But if that is Saka’s short-term target, in the long term he is ready to commit his future to Arsenal, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The football transfer news reporter has warned, however, that there may be no quick resolution to talks, with Saka under contract until 2027.

“Ahead of his imminent return on the pitch, Bukayo Saka and his agents will also have new conversations with Arsenal over new long-term deal,” Romano tweeted on X.

“No rush as current contract expires in June 2027 but director Andrea Berta will take care of the process also for Saka’s contract.”

Berta gets straight to work: Saka and Nico Williams priorities

Berta was only formally appointed as Edu’s successor as sporting director on Friday, and while Saka’s contract talks will naturally be one of his most important early assignments, he will also have a big eye on the summer transfer market.

FootballTransfers has revealed that the former Atletico Madrid director has pushed Nico Williams right to the top of his wanted list at the Emirates Stadium.

There are also strong rumours linking Arsenal with Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, although Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig and Alexander Isak of Newcastle are also major targets for Arteta’s club as they seek to increase their firepower.

Saka’s injury was one of the problems that highlighted their lack of offensive depth, and while the England winger’s return is a welcome one, it’s become clear he is only one piece in the puzzle Arsenal need to take the next step and win the Premier League title.