Arsenal news: Gunners star reveals 'difficult' Mikel Arteta talks as Bukayo Saka plan emerges

Arsenal news round-up as a Gunners defender recalls an awkward Mikel Arteta conversation and a Bukayo Saka contract update emerges

Mikel Arteta will be reflecting on a positive start to the season for Arsenal as the final international break of 2025 continues. The Gunners were left frustrated by last weekend’s 2-2 draw at Sunderland before Manchester City thrashed Liverpool 3-0 to trim the gap at the top of the Premier League to four points.

However, Arteta would have happily accepted such a lead at this stage at the start of the campaign. The biggest issue for Arsenal is injuries, with several key players nursing knocks or still recovering from long-term absences.

Arteta will be hoping his international brigade returns unscathed, especially with the north London derby against Tottenham just around the corner. Mirror Football brings you a round-up of the latest Arsenal news…

Defender's 'difficult' Arteta conversation

Jakub Kiwior has recalled having a tense conversation with Arteta about leaving the Gunners. The Polish defender joined Porto on a season-long loan with an option to buy at the end of the transfer window after growing impatient with his shortage of first-team opportunities.

Arteta wanted him to stay and fight for his place, but eventually relented before wishing him well with the Portuguese giants. He told Łączy Nas Piłka: “The last one [conversation with Arteta], no [wasn’t difficult]. We already knew then that I would go on loan to Porto. The coach emphasised how big the club was and wished me luck.

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“The earlier conversation, when I asked for the loan, was more difficult. I’d never done this before [asked to leave], but I felt the time had come to speak with him face-to-face. He understood me and supported me.”

The 25-year-old doesn’t feel like he has taken a step back by joining Porto, saying: “As for Arsenal and Porto, league-wise, it might seem like a step back, but club-wise, it’s absolutely not.

“At Porto, I have what I lacked in London: regular playing time. I feel great here. I have people I trust around me. In the case of Porto, there wasn’t much to analyse. Anyone interested in football knows how big a club it is.”

Saka intention clear as talks continue

Arsenal and Bukayo Saka are on the same page regarding the forward’s future, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Gunners star and his representatives are continuing talks with the club over a new long-term deal.

His current contract expires in the summer of 2027, with Romano raising the possibility of the England international spending the rest of his club career with Arsenal.

Writing for GiveMeSport, the Italian journalist said: “We can’t predict the future, but that is the intention. Saka and Arsenal are very happy together, also for the long-term.”

Saka’s new deal, when signed, is likely to net the 24-year-old north of £300,000 per week.

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