Should Arsenal fans be worried about Saka's future at the club?
FT Desk
- 21 Mar 2022 08:40 GMT
- 6 min read
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka was once again on hand to prove just how vital he is to Mikel Arteta’s squad in their victory over Aston Villa on Saturday.
In what was undoubtedly a tricky away game at Villa Park, the London club put in a fine performance that was capped off by Saka’s winning goal on the 30th minute mark, when the England international picked up a rebound on the edge of the boc and unleashed a shot into the bottom left corner.
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The goal proved to be Saka’s tenth of the season and when coupled with a further five assists in just 33 games, it undoubtedly shows just how vital the young forward has become for Arsenal.
As such, it came as no surprise for Arsenal fans to read on Monday morning that the club have begun initial conversations about a new contract for Saka, with the hopes of an improved deal being signed, sealed and delivered in the coming months.
According to the Athletic, despite having a deal until 2023 with a further one-year addition in place, Arsenal are already seriously considering an improved deal to ensure Saka is committed to the club in the long term.
However, Saka’s performances have also reportedly attracted interest from both Liverpool and Manchester City in recent months.
So should Arsenal fans be worried about rumours of Saka’s departure or have they got nothing to worry about for the foreseeable future?
Why Arsenal should worry about Saka leaving
While Saka has shown no interest in pushing for a move at the end of the season, things could quickly change between now and June.
Although Arsenal look good for it at the moment, if the club slip up before the end of the season and fail to finish in the top four, it could prove disastrous in convincing the young star that he can play at the highest level at the London club.
Similarly, while Arsenal may be able to match most clubs for wages, it’s unlikely that they can match the financial might of Manchester City or indeed the sporting promise of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool team.
Arsenal’s ability to keep Saka at the club will depend on their financial offer but also what they can promise in terms of sporting success in the years to come. And if either of those don’t match up with what the winger can achieve in Manchester or Liverpool then Saka may decide to leave this summer.
🚨 EXCL: Arsenal have held an initial conversation with Bukayo Saka camp over a new contract. 20yo’s deal runs to 2023 + 1yr option in #AFC favour. Club recently met agent & made intentions clear. Formal talks + offer expected to follow soon @TheAthleticUK https://t.co/OTQpxXO0yU
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) March 21, 2022
Why Arsenal shouldn’t worry about Saka leaving
While Arsenal may not be playing at the highest level of English football anymore, they are still one of the richest clubs in England and therefore the world. And that certainly counts for something when it comes to retaining players.
Sure, ambitious players may be enticed away to other clubs if Arteta & Co. can’t get their show on the road, but the vast majority of teams in Europe will struggle to match the wages Arsenal will likely offer Saka for his next long-term contract.
The club also have a huge amount of momentum going their way at the moment, as Arteta’s side make a late push for a top-four finish in the Premier League and the allure of Champions League football next season.
If the London club can achieve that goal, it would prove to Saka that he could not only earn as much as he could at other clubs at Arsenal, but also continue playing at the very highest level under Arteta’s management.
