Bukayo Saka backed to reject Arsenal offer after talks reveal – pundit
Noel Whelan has claimed Bukayo Saka could put himself in the “power position” by turning down a new Arsenal contract this summer.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 20-year-old may only renew at the Emirates Stadium if the Gunners secure Champions League qualification this term.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano (15 July), talks between Arsenal and Saka are still “ongoing” this summer – with his future a “priority” for the London giants.
The 18-cap England international has just two years left to run on his current terms.
Saka notched 12 goals and seven assists across all competitions last season as Arsenal narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification.
Whelan insisted the Gunners have “got a real job on their hands” to keep the midfielder if they finish outside the top four again.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “I don’t think he’ll sign another contract.
“I think he’ll give himself the option by running it down to a year left. That’s the right thing to do for his career.
“It puts the player in the power position. The club will have to qualify for the Champions League and stump up the money to keep him. Or he can go somewhere else and get that top-level football.
“If Arsenal get into that top four, then he will be happier to stay. If they don’t, they’ve got a real job on their hands to keep him.”
Saka has been linked with table-topping pair Man City and Liverpool as his contract continues to dwindle.
Arsenal have bolstered their top-four chances with the high-profile additions of Gabriel Jesus and Fabio Vieira this summer.
In other news, pundit tells Arsenal to sign Takehiro Tomiyasu alternative after £40m update.