Arsenal latest: Bukayo Saka contract 'update' as Man Utd manager's transfer interest emerges

Arsenal news round-up as Bukayo Saka's contract talks progress and a Declan Rice revelation is made

Arsenal's hold on the Premier League's top spot faces a stern examination with Saturday night's game at Everton.

As injuries mount, the Gunners have faltered of late, suffering defeat at Aston Villa before edging past struggling Wolves at home courtesy of two own goals. Mikel Arteta's men may need to secure victory at the Toffees' new Hill Dickinson Stadium to maintain their position atop the standings heading into Christmas.

Manchester City, who are two points back, host West Ham earlier in the day. Attention has also shifted towards the January transfer window, where the Gunners may look to strengthen their squad as they seek the depth required to compete across multiple competitions in the second half of the campaign. Football London rounds up the latest news from the Emirates.

Saka contract breakthrough

Discussions between Arsenal and Bukayo Saka regarding a new contract are reportedly progressing well.

The Starboy still has 18 months left on his current deal, but given his importance to the club, talks have been ongoing for some time. According to TeamTalk, only minor details stand in the way of a new deal, which would tie Saka to the Gunners until 2031, being inked.

The deal would see the England international pocket in the region of £300,000 per week. A source revealed: "Things are going well, talks have gone smoothly and it is understood that Bukayo is ready to sign."

Such news would represent the ideal early Christmas gift for Gunners supporters.

Man Utd boss wanted Rice

It has been revealed that during his tenure at Manchester United, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had his sights set on three major signings, including Declan Rice.

The other two targets were Erling Haaland, who was then plying his trade at Molde in Norway, and Jude Bellingham of Birmingham City, reports the Daily Mail.

At the time, Rice was a West Ham player and would have brought much-needed grit to a United team that, despite struggling to keep pace with Manchester City, was still managing to secure Champions League spots, a stark contrast to their current mid-table predicament.

While Haaland and Bellingham ended up at Borussia Dortmund, Rice remained with West Ham for several more seasons, playing a pivotal role in their Europa Conference League triumph in 2023 before making a move to Arsenal. At the Gunners, he has established himself as an integral part of the squad and one of its leaders.

In contrast, United signed Donny van de Beek, who turned out to be a major disappointment, while Jadon Sancho joined and Cristiano Ronaldo made a less than successful return to Old Trafford. It goes without saying that United's loss turned out to be Arsenal's gain.