Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has stressed the importance of the club reaching an agreement with youngster Bukayo Saka over a new contract.
Academy graduate Saka has impressed in north London since breaking into the senior side this term, making 29 appearances across all competitions and demonstrating his versatility by operating either as a winger or full-back, depending on the team's needs.
However, fans remain fearful over a potential departure for the 18-year-old, who, like club captain and talisman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, is about to enter the final 12 months of his current contract, with no extension yet finalised.
Several clubs across Europe - including the likes of Premier League champions-elect Liverpool and Bundesliga contenders Borussia Dortmund - have been mentioned in connection with Saka, who could leave Arsenal for a compensatory fee next summer if he does not sign a new contract between now and then.
Addressing the teenager's future during a press conference held before Arsenal's Premier League return at Manchester City on Wednesday night, Arteta insisted work was ongoing to agree new deals as a matter of urgency.
"We are trying, as a club, to finalise the deals that are more urgent and are a priority for us," he said.
"The ones you are talking about [Saka and Aubameyang] - they are both really important, not just for now but for the future of the club as well and if the club has something to announce, they will do it in the right moment."
