Bukayo Saka has become the face of Arsenal football club following the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Still just 20 years old, he has already racked up 100 appearances for the Gunners, and is in many ways the embodiment of the side that Mikel Arteta is trying to build at Arsenal in the years to come. Already, he is valued at £58 million by transfermarkt, making him the joint 20th most valuable player in the Premier League according to their algorithm.
Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on December 26, 2020 in London, England. Photo by Andrew Boyers – Pool/Getty Images)
However, he will have just two years left on his contract at The Emirates stadium come the summer, and while Arsenal are keen to tie him down to another long term deal, it is unclear how well that will go down with his camp.
How important is Champions League football?
Now, as per Mark Odgen of ESPN, should the Gunners fail to return to Champions League football, they could have a fight on their hands to keep the 20-year-old. Both Liverpool and Manchester City are thought to be keen on the forward, and could swoop in should Arsenal not be at the top table of Europe for yet another season.
As per the report:
‘Liverpool and Manchester City are both watching the progress of 20-year-old Bukayo Saka at Arsenal and could make a move if the Gunners fail to qualify for the Champions League. Saka’s contract at the Emirates expires in 2023, so Arsenal face a crucial summer in their bid to keep the England youngster.’
An array of factors are conspiring to make the 2022 summer transfer window the most active for years, thanks to star free agents, emerging talent. And Erling Haaland https://t.co/j7IvC0hXyl
— Mark Ogden (@MarkOgden_) February 3, 2022
It would be a cruel blow to the Gunners should Saka leave, and would seriously undermine their attempts to build their side around their young stars.
