Bukayo Saka Arsenal plan revealed after injury return as Mikel Arteta makes huge decision

Arsenal look to have made it clear exactly what will happen following Bukayo Saka's return from injury. The Gunners' talisman has missed the last 19 games because of a hamstring injury, but he is expected to feature in some capacity against Fulham on Tuesday evening.

"Bukayo is ready to go," Mikel Arteta revealed on Monday before confirming he is fit enough to start. "All the careful things are already done. Now it's about putting him in the grass at the right moment. But he's pushing because he really wants to. We have respected the timeline, and we have done everything."

Arsenal have missed the 23-year-old over the last few months, especially with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli also absent for significant periods. Mikel Merino has impressed since being drafted in to lead the line and now Arteta faces some big decisions.

While Havertz is out for the season, Martinelli returned earlier this month which saw Ethan Nwaneri come out of the starting XI. With Saka potentially going straight back into the team on the right, the expectation would be that one of Trossard or Merino would drop down to the bench.

Though there is so many uncertainties surrounding the three attackers that will start at home to Fulham, plans for Saka's future are clear. According to Fabrizio Romano, the England international and his representatives will have new conversations with the club over a potential contract extension.

His update also stated it will be the job of new sporting director Andrea Berta to handle those negotiations but that there is no rush with his current deal valid until 2027. Having seen the predicament Liverpool have found themselves in involving Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, it is no surprise the club are being proactive.

Berta has several other tasks on his agenda with a marquee striker signing the big deal for Arsenal this summer. Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres is one player of interest to the Gunners and it does look as though he could soon become the priority target.

Though Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko are also players under serious consideration, the Athletic have revealed Berta is a firm admirer of the former Coventry City and thus an interest is starting to develop with it therefore likely he is high up on the club's shortlist.

Finalising the addition of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad will be another aim for Berta with a second midfield signing possible as both Thomas Partey and Jorginho are expected to depart at the end of their contracts.

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