Bukayo Saka has been in sensational form this season (Getty Images)
According to The Telegraph (h/t The Metro), Arsenal are facing a hard time to agree a new deal with youngster Bukayo Saka, who could leave on a free transfer at the end of next season when his contract with the club expires.
Saka, 18, started his career with Arsenal’s Hale End Academy before signing a professional contract at the age of 17. He was promoted to the senior squad last summer by Unai Emery and since then, the teenager has made 27 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 3 goals and providing 6 assists.
He has been impressive all throughout the season and has featured in 16 league games so far. Though he started as a left-winger, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has used him mostly as a left-back in the absence of Kieran Tierney and Sead Kolasinac.
He has not disappointed while playing in a completely different position and has been one of the best players in the side of late.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are still a long way away from the top four and would be hoping to put in a string of better performances to qualify for Europe. Despite playing well under the new manager, they have managed to win only two of their last 7 league games.
And Arteta has a lot of work to do before the start of the new season, regardless of their situation at the end of this term. Their defence has been shaky since the start and it is clear that they need to bring in reinforcements to their backline. However, the left-back position will need no adjustments due to Saka’s form. And he can be a key player for them in the years to come.
Saka got fewer opportunities while playing on the wing but the injuries to Tierney and Kolasinac have made the manager turn towards the teenager to step up at left-back. He has performed well in the last few months. He is a midfielder by trade and his versatile nature could be a boost too.
With Saka’s impressive performances this season known to the footballing world, one example being his performance against Newcastle United earlier in the week, clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool and Bayern Munich have all shown interest in the exciting youngster, as per the report.
Hence, Arsenal should agree on a new contract with him at the earliest and tie him down to the club. It is a no-brainer considering how the youngster is shaping up early in his career.
The London-born talent is just 18 and he could go on to play for the Gunners for many years and his promising start to his career has brought out the ability and potential he possesses. Therefore, Arteta must persuade Saka to remain at the club and help him develop into a better player.
