Kevin Phillips has warned Arsenal over Bukayo Saka’s future, urging the club to tie him down to a new deal, fearing the player could run his contract down.
Arsenal have struggled to compete with the Premier League’s elite in recent years, finishing outside the Champions League places in the last five consecutive seasons. The Gunners have not played Champions League football since 2016/17 and their involvement in next season’s edition of Europe’s premier club competition is also far from certain.
During these dark days, Bukayo Saka had emerged as a bright spot through their Hale End academy and has become a mainstay in this Arsenal side. He is one of Mikel Arteta’s most trusted players and his performances have made him one of the top players in the Premier League.
He is already being eyed by some of the top clubs in the Premier League, with Manchester City and Liverpool keeping close tabs on the 20-year-old attacker. Arsenal are aware of the widespread interest in their star man and could open talks in the summer over a new contract along with one for manager Arteta.
While Saka still has considerable time left on his current deal with Arsenal, there are plenty of examples from the club’s recent past of players leaving on a free transfer. With Saka already tipped to join Liverpool, it is imperative for the Gunners to extend the forward’s deal at the club.
Kevin Phillips has warned Arsenal about their plans with their star man, urging them to tie Saka down to a new deal. Phillips told Football Insider that if the Gunners show complacency in their approach, Saka could be the next star to run down his current contract.
Phillips said, “That would just be typical Arsenal, wouldn’t it? He’s got 18 months left and they’ll probably let it drag all the way through. I’d get him signed up now if I was Arteta. I’d be onto the board telling them to get him tied down to a four, five-year deal. He’s one of their best players, if not the best player. It’s as simple as that.”
While Phillips may have a point there about Saka leaving the club on a potential free transfer in the future, Arsenal are aware of the situation and are preparing a new contract for their star man. However, as opposed to Phillips’ comments about the player having 18 months left, Saka in fact has a contract until 2024.
The nearly 30 months left on the current deal gives the Gunners plenty of time in the summer to offer him a new contract. Reports suggest they might table a deal to reflect his current standing in the team, which could mean Saka could be in for a bumper salary over a long-term agreement.
