Manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that Arsenal are doing everything possible to keep two Nigeria-eligible attack-minded players in Bukayo Saka and Folarin Balogun who both have one-year remaining on their contracts with the club.

Saka and Balogun have been offered fresh contracts but talks are not progressing as rapidly as Arsenal had hoped, and they risk losing the two players next summer amid the contract wrangle.

While the likes of Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund are monitoring the situation of the left winger, Balogun attracted concrete interest from Brentford in the winter transfer market.

Speaking to reporters at Tuesday's press conference ahead of the Premier League match vs Norwich City, the Spanish football tactician was asked whether he's worried that Arsenal can't hold on to young players.

Arteta was quoted as saying by arsenal.com : "I am not worried because I know that the club is doing their best to try to keep them [Bukayo and Folarin Balogun].

"Hopefully we can have some good news about them very soon. They know my opinion on them and how much I like working on them, the intention that I have in the future with them.

"I see them really committed and hopefully we can find the right agreement for both parties and move on, because I think there's a great future ahead of us with these kids."

Arteta will be extremely keen to retain Saka as the Hale End Academy product has broken into the starting lineup and is capable of playing several roles on the pitch.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com