Bukayo Saka: Pundit issues ‘massive’ Arsenal contract claim after ESPN update
Noel Whelan has claimed Bukayo Saka may be “holding out” on signing a new contract until he knows whether Arsenal will play Champions League football next season.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 20-year-old will be in “no rush” to commit his future to the Gunners.
According to ESPN (3 February), Liverpool and Manchester City are keeping tabs on the winger ahead of a potential summer raid if Arsenal fail to qualify for the Champions League.
Saka, who has scored six goals in 21 Premier League appearances this season, is out of contract in June 2024.
Whelan heaped praise on the youngster, insisting he is a part of “something special” at the Emirates Stadium.
“It’s massively important that Arsenal get it sorted,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“I’m sure that Saka will be in no rush with two years left. He’ll be holding out until the end of the season to find out whether he’ll be playing in the Champions League next season before making a decision.
“You don’t want to lose a player of his quality, especially at his tender age. The way he carries himself on and off the pitch is a joy to watch.
“But at the same time, Arsenal are building something special, and Saka is a brilliant part of that – it’s a very young team and one which can only get better in the future.”
The Hale End academy graduate penned his last Arsenal contract extension in July 2020.
Saka has netted four goals in 14 England caps since making his Three Lions debut in October 2020.
The Gunners currently sit four points adrift of fourth spot in the Premier League.
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