Bukayo Saka could now run down contract and leave in ‘typical Arsenal’ blunder – pundit
Kevin Phillips has warned Bukayo Saka could run down his contract if Arsenal fail to tie him down soon.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Sunderland striker insisted it would be “typical Arsenal” to see the 20-year-old leave due to his contract situation.
As reported by ESPN on Wednesday (3 February), Liverpool and Manchester City are keeping tabs on the winger ahead of a potential summer raid.
The two giants could reportedly launch a move if the Gunners fail to qualify for the Champions League.
Saka’s current contract runs until the summer of 2023.
Phillips urged Mikel Arteta to push the board for a deal to be struck in the near future.
“That would just be typical Arsenal, wouldn’t it?” Phillips told Football Insider’s Russell Edge.
“He’s got 18 months left and they’ll probably let it drag all the way through.
“I’d get him signed up now if I was Arteta. I’d be onto the board telling them to get him tied down to a four, five-year deal.
“He’s one of their best players, if not the best player. It’s as simple as that.”
Saka has been a standout performer for Arsenal since breaking through the youth ranks in north London.
He has played 114 times for the first team already and is a mainstay in the starting XI under Arteta.
His performances have also earned him international recognition for England, with 14 caps to his name.
Saka has played in all of Arsenal’s Premier League games this term, starting all but two.
In other news, pundit claims Arsenal may have already struck new striker deal after journalist update.