Arsenal are reportedly making progress on a new contract for wonderkid Bukayo Saka, with Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Manchester United sniffing around…
Brandon Williams? Reece James? Mason Greenwood? Give it a break! While other English youngsters have been getting all the praise this season, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka has quietly gone about his business, shining as a starter at left-back, despite being a winger and not being officially called up to the first-team squad yet (it’s true, just check Arsenal’s website)!
Saka’s play has been superb at left-back since Tierney’s injury, as he has been given the license to burst forward and play essentially as a winger in possession. Granit Xhaka often helps cover the space down the left flank which allows Saka some breathing room when Arsenal have the ball.
Saka’s exceptional talent was highlighted on Sunday, when he produced a fantastic assist for Nicolas Pepe’s goal, after nutmegging a flabbergasted Valentino Lazaro.
Believe it or not, Bukayo Saka has more assists than any other Arsenal player in all competitions this season, with 8.
"He is becoming a natural"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 16, 2020
Mikel Arteta is excited by the prospect of Bukayo Saka in an Arsenal shirt for years to come
📱 Recap #ARSNEW here: https://t.co/2yatcOdwmC pic.twitter.com/XdxlfZr473
Despite the fact that he has only just broken into the XI, Saka’s Arsenal future has been put in some doubt over the last week or so, as he has entered the final 18 months of his current contract. The likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich are reportedly monitoring the availability of the England u19 international – highlighting the great impression he has made in such a short span of time.
However, recent reports from The Athletic’s David Ornstein have suggested that Arsenal are making significant progress on a new deal for the youngster, which would likely be 5 years with a significant pay-rise.
"‘I just leave all that stuff to my agent and my parents. I just enjoy my football and play my football’‘They’re sorting it out. Of course I’m enjoying my football, enjoying playing under the new coach so we’ll see what happens.’ – Bukayo Saka when asked about his contract issue following Arsenal’s 4-0 win over Newcastle"
This news is excellent for Arsenal, who will certainly want to keep Bukayo Saka at the club for the long-term and reap the rewards of his development. The 18-year-old has been in the Arsenal system since childhood, and this lengthy spell looks like it will continue to rack up the years.