Pundit suggests ‘£90m+’ Bukayo Saka clause after offer tabled
Noel Whelan has insisted any new contract for Bukayo Saka at Arsenal should include a release clause of at least £90million.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed he would be “very surprised” if the 20-year-old commits his future to the club this summer.
According to the Daily Mail (22 July), Arsenal have offered Saka a £140,000-a-week deal amid interest from Man City – in order to “lock in” his £100million transfer value.
Speaking to The Athletic (25 July), Gunners chief Edu Gaspar insisted the protracted negotiations over the midfielder’s renewal are “normal” – and claimed both sides are currently “happy” about the direction the talks are headed.
Saka, who has 18 caps for England, notched 12 goals and seven assists across all competitions last season.
Arsenal will play Europa League football this term, and Whelan insisted the “pressure is on” Mikel Arteta to achieve a top-four finish in the 2022-23 campaign.
“I’d be very surprised if he signs a new contract this summer,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“If he does, there’s got to be a release clause in that deal – and it will be for a hefty sum of money.
“You’re probably looking at the £90-100million mark for a player of Saka’s ability and age – he’s so important. Not just to Arsenal, but to the England side too.
“There’s got to be something in place if Arsenal don’t qualify again for the Champions League.
“It’s got to feel like the club is progressing in the minds of players like Saka.
“The pressure is on Arteta now to deliver. They’ve spent a lot, and all the jigsaw pieces are in place.”
In other news, medical insider claims Arsenal could now sign Takehiro Tomiyasu replacement amid injury latest.