Bukayo Saka is close to a new Arsenal contract according to The Athletic's David Ornstein.

Speaking in a Q&A on Wednesday evening he confirmed that discussions had taken place but there was plenty of interest in the young attacker from elsewhere.

He commented: "They nearly had an agreement before shutdown. So that came at a really bad time for Arsenal in that sense. It's close but until pen hits paper you never know.

"The will of all sides is to extend. But the deal has to be right. There is plenty of interest in Saka from other clubs, too."

The future of the teenager has been up in the air for a while with supporters left asking why one of their best young talents has been allowed to run his contract down.

Saka, who can play at left-wing and at left-back, featured on the right side of midfield against Manchester City as the Premier League resumed yesterday evening.

GIVEMESPORT'S Matt Dawson says...

This is a huge piece of news if the Gunners are indeed close to renewing Saka's contract. 

The 18-year-old has burst onto the scene in some style this season, registering nine assists in just 31 appearances, initially being thrown into the limelight by Unai Emery.

However, it appears as though Mikel Arteta also trusts the £18m-rated winger, starting him in a high profile clash against Man City.

Saka failed to have much impact and was eventually moved to defence once David Luiz was sent off, but he still has an incredibly bright future ahead of him.

The academy graduate, alongside Reiss Nelson, is easily one of the most exciting players to come out of Hale End and it would be a travesty if he slipped through Arsenal's grasp.

The impact he's made this term suggests he should be at the forefront of Arteta's rebuild next season, not being cast aside. They need to get this sorted out as soon as possible.