Mikel Arteta provides Arsenal stance on Bukayo Saka amid Manchester United transfer links

Bukayo Saka has been linked with Manchester United and now Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has spoken out.

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has opened up on the future of Bukayo Saka amid transfer links with Manchester United.

The 18-year-old has impressed this season for Arsenal in 15 Premier League matches but is yet to sign a long-term contract at the Gunners.

This has led to links with United and Liverpool as the teenager approaches the last 18 months of his current deal with Arsenal.

Saka broke into the first team last season under Unai Emery and has been even more involved this term, featuring 23 times in all competitions.

Former United striker Michael Owen has previously likened the winger, who can play at left-back, to Cristiano Ronaldo and amid the links with a move away, Arteta was asked about Saka ahead of facing Newcastle United on Sunday.

"I am really happy with how they [young players] are developing," Arteta told the press.

"Part of that developing is to improve the contract and to tie them to the club. But that has to follow a natural process.

"We have Edu, we have Raul [Sanllehi], Vinai [Venkatesham] and Huss [Fahmy] who are in charge of that and I am sure we will do the right thing when players deserve to improve and extend their contracts."