Alan Smith says players will want to join Arsenal if the likes of Bukayo Saka and William Saliba sign new contracts, as he told Premier League Productions (25/02/23 at 2:15 pm).
Mikel Arteta’s side are sitting at the top of the Premier League table, with both Saka and Saliba being key figures in their recent rise and possible success at the end of the season.
Whilst Saka was at the club last season, Saliba was on-loan at Marseille, after failing to break into Arsenal’s senior side after signing in 2019.
But the wait has been worth it for the supporters and probably the player himself because he is now one of the best centre-backs in the league.
Of course, all of this can be topped off if he extends his stay at the club, alongside Saka.
And Highbury hero Alan Smith is backing just that to happen, as he also explained the benefits that could come with it.
“It feels like a club that’s going places, where players want to commit their futures to,” said Smith. “Arteta has done a great job.
“Saka is producing great football. Saliba, they have worked so hard to get him into this position now where he is a top-level central defender.
“This will help them attract other players as well if you can sign on the likes of Saka and Saliba. It sends out a message to others that are looking at Arsenal.
“Of course, if they get into the Champions League next season, then it’s another added bonus.”
SAKA AND SALIBA SHOULD SIGN NEW DEALS
In truth, there is no reason why they shouldn’t. Both are 21. Their best years are ahead of them and they are playing for a team heading towards glory.
If it’s not this season, then those trophies, and especially that Premier League title, are now around the corner.
Mikel Arteta has helped progress the duo in a brilliant way, but with his work, they can still go much higher than where they already are.
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