Expert: This is when Bukayo Saka could leave Arsenal for Champions League club
Bukayo Saka will give Arsenal “every opportunity” to provide him with Champions League football, according to Kevin Campbell.
The former Gunners striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 20-year-old will leave the Emirates if Mikel Arteta’s side fail to qualify for Europe’s elite competition within the next two years.
Saka has two years remaining on his contract in north London.
According to the Daily Mail‘s Sami Mokbel (22 July), Arsenal have offered the winger a new long-term contract that would see him double his wages to become one of the club’s best paid players.
Club officials are said to have accelerated talks amid interest from Man City.
When asked by Football Insider if a lack of Champions League football would be a concern for Saka, Campbell said: “You have to remember that Saka is an Arsenal boy.
“If Saka signs a five-year contract and in two years time Arsenal are not in the Champions League, trust me, he won’t be around. That is the power these players have now.
“I do not think anybody would argue with Arsenal’s ambition right now. We are going in the right direction.
“It would be sad to see one of the young players from Hale End look to leave at a point like this.
“I understand why Saka would want to play Champions League because he is rubbing shoulders with Mason Mount and Phil Foden when he’s with England. They are playing Champions League football and he is not. I get that.
“I’m sure Saka will give Arsenal every opportunity to get there though. I think he wants to be part of it. He will want to play alongside the players we are bringing in.”
In other news, an Arsenal expert is ‘100 per cent’ sure on William Saliba after journalist’s contract update.