ARSENAL have reportedly triggered a clause in Bukayo Saka's contract to keep him at the club until at least 2024.
The England international, 21, has been linked with a move to Premier League rivals Manchester City and Liverpool.
It comes at a time when his existing deal is due to expire in the summer.
However, according to The Mail, Arsenal have now taken the option to extend his deal by a further 12 months, doing so before the clause expired at the end of December.
And a new long-term contract could be secured sooner rather than later following reports last month that Saka is set to renew talks with Arsenal.
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Since breaking through into the first team in 2018, Saka has established himself as a regular in the Gunners' forward line.
He has contributed 30 goals and 35 assists in 153 appearances for the club.
And his sublime displays have seen him become a trusted lieutenant for England manager Gareth Southgate - already racking up 24 caps.
He netted three times at the Qatar World Cup and was one of the Three Lions' standout performers.
Upon returning to Arsenal, he has scored in both of their games since the domestic season resumed - with Mikel Arteta's men beating West Ham and Brighton.
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Man City's draw with Everton gave the North London outfit the opportunity to open up a seven-point lead at the top of the table.
And they dually obliged with a convincing 4-2 victory over Roberto De Zerbi's Seagulls on Saturday evening.
Next up for Saka and Co is a clash with top four-chasing Newcastle on Tuesday.
They then take on Oxford United in the third round of the FA Cup, before the North London Derby against Tottenham on January 15.
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