Arsenal are reportedly looking to tie Bukayo Saka down to a long-term contract amid interest from Manchester United and several other top clubs.
According to Express, Arsenal are working towards tying emerging star Bukayo Saka down to a long-term contract. The youngster currently has around 18 months left on his deal, but has drawn interest from many top clubs including Manchester United after his performances for Arsenal under Mikel Arteta.
Saka had already made his senior debut under Unai Emery and impressed onlookers with his ability. But, the youngster seems to be enjoying the confidence of new boss Mikel Arteta. Not only has Saka become a regular fixture, but the winger has stepped up to fill the void at left-back which was created due to a spate of injuries.
Bukayo Saka has, in fact, been a revelation playing at left-back and has featured 18 times so far in the 2019-20 Premier League. Saka has the ability to run at opponents and coming forward from the left-back position leaves him with more room and freedom to go at his opponents. But, his defensive awareness has taken people by surprise and has brought forth interest from Manchester United among others.
? Bukayo Saka’s performance this season:
? 29 matches
⚽ 3 goals
? 10 assists? Played most matches out of position.
✅ Registers most assists than any other Arsenal player.
? He’s only 18. pic.twitter.com/gfKnx8WGeJ
— The Arsenal Review (@thearsreview) March 6, 2020
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has overseen the rise of Brandon Williams this season. So much so, that the youngster is not only a regular fixture in the first-team setup but almost preferred over Luke Shaw at left-back or as a wing-back when fielding a 3-man backline.
But, Solskjaer is likely to be interested in Saka the winger. Marcus Rashford has been on fire this season and the left side seems to suit him a lot. But, there is little option beyond Rashford on the left side and that has compelled Solskjaer to shift to a 3-5-2 or even a 4-3-1-2 at times.
Saka currently earns around £3,000 per week, which is measly and the suitors have jumped at the prospect of bringing in someone with the potential that Saka has shown. With just 18 months left on his deal, Manchester United and Liverpool are looking at Saka as a cheap alternative to fill their attacking areas rather than go all out for already established stars.
Mikel Arteta, on the other hand, has stated before the postponed game against Manchester City that Arsenal are in the process of tying Saka down to a long-term contract and are trying to do what it takes for Saka to be convinced that his future lies at Emirates. There are reports that a new £35,000 per week deal is being prepared for Saka.
Till a confirmation is issued though, Arsenal fans will be sweating at the prospect of losing yet another young gem.
? Love it how so called “journalists” jump on each rumour or even create stories out of nothing but thin air. This is ridiculous. Really. Why would he leave Arsenal? ? There is not a single thing pointing at his exit. Nothing. Yet some idiots make up stories to gain a lot of clicks and other idiots spread their message, even if there is no substance to it. Football journalism is getting worse each year. Abysmal. But hey, why change if it gets you clicks. ?