Arsenal told to offer Saka ‘massive’ new deal after journalist’s Liverpool update – pundit
Arsenal must offer Bukayo Saka a new contract amid interest from Liverpool, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 20-year-old has developed into a “key” man for the Gunners since signing his most recent deal last year (2020).
According to journalist Ian McGarry, speaking on the Transfer Window Podcast (29 December), Liverpool are considering a move for Saka – with the England international said to be “very interested” in the opportunity.
Saka signed a four-year deal in July 2020 after his breakthrough season at Arsenal.
Whelan urged the Gunners to “do the smart thing” and take advantage of their success to offer the England international new terms.
“I think they’ve got to offer him a massive new deal,” he told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge.
“He signed a contract in 2020 which was a four-year deal, but he’s really developed even more since then and become a key part of that Arsenal side.
“The fact they seem to be doing things and signing players in the right positions now, you’d think they’d take advantage of their healthy league position and try and do the smart thing.
“That’s how you keep the best players at the club, by staying on top of the contract situations and getting them tied down to these long-term deals. It’s massively important.”
Saka has scored six and assisted four in 20 Premier League appearances for Arsenal this season.
The midfielder has netted four goals in 14 caps for England.
In other news, ‘there will be riots outside the Emirates’ after a ‘monster’ Arsenal bid is reported.