Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has claimed that he "wants to win" wearing the Gunners crest as speculation surrounding over his future begins to heat up once more.
The 23-year-old's contract at the Emirates Stadium is due to expire in the summer of 2027, although it has been reported that 'formal talks' are planned with his camp over a renewal.
Saka last signed a four-year extension in the summer of 2023, since when he has continued to go from strength to strength under Mikel Arteta, at least until he suffered a serious hamstring injury in December.
However, the England international made his long-awaited return to action earlier this month, and ahead of discussions with the club over a new contract, Saka was asked whether he could say anything that would alleviate fans' fears over his future.
"I want to win, I want to win wearing this badge. I think it's pretty clear," Saka told reporters at a press conference ahead of Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg with Real Madrid.
Saka "really happy" to be at Arsenal
© Imago
"The fans know how much I love them, you saw when I came on on Tuesday, I think they loved me back. It's a good relationship, and I'm really happy to be here. I'm just focused on winning.
"It just reassured everything. It was special. You had to be in the stadium [on Tuesday] to really understand and feel the noise and energy they brought for me. I'm really grateful, I just want to win here."
Following stints at left-back and central midfield, Saka has made the right-wing spot his own at the Emirates Stadium, thanks to his astounding accuracy from set-pieces, finishing ability and exceptional close control, allowing him to effectively turn away from opponents and charge infield.
Saka has been directly involved in 23 goals in just 26 appearances in all competitions this season - 10 of his own and 13 assists - including a goal on his comeback appearance against Fulham in last week's London derby win.
The 23-year-old also came off the bench for the second half of Saturday's 1-1 stalemate with Everton at Goodison Park, heightening hopes that he could make his first start of 2025 in Tuesday's clash with Los Blancos.
Arteta hints Saka is ready to start vs. Real Madrid
© Imago
Arteta was inevitably asked about whether he could start Saka in his own press conference, and the Spaniard hinted that he is ready for a return to the XI: "He is in a much better place.
"Gradually we have built his minutes in the last six or seven days, he has coped with that really well and he is in a good place to be able to be used."
The Arsenal head coach also confirmed that the Gunners had no fresh concerns from their draw with Everton at the weekend, which Ben White and Jurrien Timber came through unscathed following knocks.
However, Riccardo Calafiori (knee) is still unfit, while Gabriel Magalhaes (hamstring), Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee), Kai Havertz (hamstring) and Gabriel Jesus (knee) are all out for the rest of the season.
Raheem Sterling is also suspended for the first leg, as is Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni, and another six Los Blancos players are at risk of missing the second leg if they are booked on Tuesday.
Ben Knapton
