Bukayo Saka could push for exit as new Arsenal fears emerge – pundit
Arsenal could be dealing with a number of transfer requests this summer if they fail to qualify for the Champions League, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed Bukayo Saka’s situation will be monitored closely by a number of top clubs at home and abroad.
According to football.london (18 April), Arsenal will open contract negotiations with Saka at the end of the season – with his current deal set to expire in June 2024.
The Gunners lost 1-0 against Southampton on Saturday (16 April) – meaning Mikel Arteta’s side have lost four of their last five games.
Tottenham have moved above Arsenal into fourth place – while Man United have closed the gap to the north London side.
Whelan claimed missing out on Champions League football could “jeopardise” the rebuild at the Emirates Stadium.
“They’ve hit a really bad patch at a critical point,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“If this form continues, it could be really detrimental to them as a club.
“At one point, they were in the driving seat. Now, phwoar – they’ll probably finish sixth. They’ve handed the opportunity over to Man United.
“It’s really not ideal. If they don’t get in the Champions League, they could be dealing with players who want to leave.
“Bukayo Saka, for example – I’m sure he’s being looked at by Premier League clubs as well as big European clubs.
“They’ve only got themselves to blame, and this could really jeopardise their transfer window and this rebuild as a whole.”
Arsenal and Tottenham are set to face off next month (12 May), in a crucial match in the race for the Champions League.
The Gunners last qualified for the showpiece competition in 2016.
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