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After an excellent campaign in last season’s Premier League, Bukayo Saka has been the subject of transfer rumours as Arsenal prepare to extend his deal.
THE LOWDOWN: REWARD FOR AN IMPRESSIVE SEASON
Bukayo Saka broke into the first team in 2019 under Unai Emery. His impressive performances since then earned him a four-year contract in 2020. The current contract has two years left before it expires, which is why the club is looking to extend the deal this summer.
Although Arsenal didn’t clinch the Champions League ticket last season, Saka was easily among the best players in the league, scoring 11 goals and providing seven assists. Ultimately, his performances were enough to see him named the Arsenal Player of the Season for the second year in a row. He became the first player since Thierry Henry back in 2004 to retain the award.
The winger had been reported not to be in a rush to sign a new contract, but the club would love for the contract talk to be quickly sorted. No pressure is being mounted on the 20-year-old, but Arteta is confident that both parties will reach an agreement.
His current deal is believed to be £30,000 per week, with the club ready to offer him up to £125,000 per week according to reports. His fellow academy graduate, Eddie Nketiah, recently signed a new deal worth £100,000 per week.
THE LATEST: ARTETA CONFIDENT ON NEW DEAL FOR SAKA
Speaking after Arsenal’s win against Everton in the USA preseason tour, Arteta believed Saka’s new contract is a matter of time.
When the Spaniard was asked about the likelihood of an agreement and signing this summer, he said:
“We will try. We both have the same intention. It’s a matter of time.”
Liverpool and Manchester City are two of the clubs being reported as Saka’s potential poachers. With Raheem Sterling leaving City for Chelsea and Sadio Mane moving to Bayern Munich from Liverpool, both clubs will need a worthy replacement.
City however extended Mahrez’s deal recently, which shows they might not be coming in strong for Saka. Although Arsenal cannot be too complacent, transfer stories can quickly switch up.
THE VERDICT: ARSENAL MUST ACT FAST
Saka’s importance to the Arsenal team cannot be overstated. The England international featured in all 38 Premier League games last season and he was often the brightest spark for the team.
Arsenal must move swiftly to offer him a good deal and show him that they want him and that the club appreciates his efforts. He is the present and future of the club, losing him to rivals will be a devastating loss.
He represents the ideals of the team and his Arsenal through and through. The Gunners should sort out his contract as soon as possible and avoid the damning prospect of losing a number of talented players to their rivals in the coming years.
