Journalist Pete O'Rourke has now claimed that Arsenal giving Bukayo Saka a new deal would 'be a huge statement'.

The Lowdown: Arsenal 'confident'

It was reported earlier this week that the Gunners are 'confident' that the 20-year-old will sign a new contract at the Emirates Stadium.

The Sun claimed in March that the club want to increase his wages from £30,000 per week to a whopping £125,000 per week in order to fend off interest from the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City.

The Latest: 'Huge statement'

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, O'Rourke has claimed that Saka signing a new deal would 'be a huge statement' by Mikel Arteta's side, adding that they would be 'going places' if they can tie down the youngster.

The journalist said: “It’ll be a huge statement of intent to the fans and to everybody connected with the team that Arsenal are going places and they want to keep hold of their best players, because that’s been a criticism in the past that they’ve lost and sold some of their best players to their rivals, so keeping Saka would be a huge statement that Arsenal do plan on keeping hold of their top players.”

The Verdict: Get it done

Given that Saka only has two years remaining on his current contract, Arsenal need to tie him down as soon as possible.

They have been guilty of selling their best players to Premier League rivals in the past, notably the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Robin van Persie to Manchester United, and Emmanuel Adebayor and Samir Nasri to Manchester City.

Saka scored two goals as the Gunners thumped Sevilla 6-0 at home in the Emirates Cup on Saturday, and he is looking in good shape ahead of the start of the new season away to Crystal Palace on Friday night.

As O'Rourke says, Arsenal tying down the 20-year-old for the next few years would send a big statement of intent to their rivals.