‘Like Declan Rice’: Journalist shares ‘the problem’ with Saka and his future at Arsenal

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Speaking on the Talking Transfers Podcast, Graeme Bailey has been discussing Bukayo Saka and his Arsenal future.

Saka is undoubtedly one of the best footballers in England right now, and inevitably, in the wake of Arsenal finishing fifth, he’s being linked with some absolutely massive moves.

Manchester City, Real Madrid and Liverpool have all been linked, but according to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are keen to tie the winger down to a new deal.

However, according to Bailey, negotiations with Saka aren’t going all that well. The journalist says that, much like Declan Rice, Saka is in a position where he wants to be challenging for the top trophies, and if Arsenal can’t prove to him that they’re at that level, he may well leave the club.

What’s been said?

Bailey spoke about Arsenal’s negotiations with Saka.

“They’re not going as quickly or as positive as Arsenal would want. He’s out of contract in 2023, which seems to be the flavour of the month across the whole footballing world at the minute. They have an option to extend, and Arsenal have already told him that they will take up that option if they have to, but they would rather do a new deal,” Bailey said.

“The problem is with Saka is that he’s getting to that level now, much like Declan Rice at West Ham, where it’s not about a new contract and it’s not just about top four, he’s a player who should be challenging at the top level, and if Arsenal aren’t challenging for the title within 12 months, I don’t see how they keep him.”

Got to push

If Arsenal want to keep hold of Saka beyond 2024, they need to show him that they’re ready to push for the top honours.

Of course, bridging the gap between the Gunners and Manchester City will be tough, but with the right recruitment, it won’t be impossible.

Arsenal have an excellent young core coming through, but now is the time to step on the accelerator and prove to these young stars that the Emirates is the place to be.

Of course, that’s easier said than done when a player has offers from City, Liverpool and Madrid, but Arsenal need to pull out all the stops to show Saka that he should stay.