Arsenal are no strangers to mismanaging players’ contracts. Mishaps in the past have seen the likes of Robin van Persie, Alexis Sanchez, Aaron Ramsey and now potentially Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leave the club for little or no fee.
Young Bukayo Saka could well be on that list, with the teenager’s contract expiring at the end of next season.
The 18-year-old broke into the first-team squad this term and has been a revelation. Saka has three goals and nine assists to his name in 30 games; most of those coming from an unnatural left-back position.
The Daily Mail has claimed that Liverpool are monitoring Saka’s situation and are ready to strike if talks between Arsenal and the youngster break down.
However, the Sun has claimed today that Arsenal are looking to bring in Ajax’s Nicolas Tagliafico this summer for the sole purpose of pushing Saka back into his natural attacking position.
If there is any truth to that report, it shows that Arsenal are confident that the teenager will extend his stay at the Emirates beyond the end of next season.
Saka, who has come up through the ranks at Arsenal, has shown that he has all the qualities to succeed at the top level.
His performances, both in the Premier League and in Europe, have been beyond his age and ensuring that he stays at the club could prove to be one of the best pieces of business that Arsenal have done in recent years.
Renewing Saka’s and Aubameyang’s contract this summer would give Arteta a huge boost ahead of his first full season in charge, and that could well be the push Arsenal need to get back into the top four next season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
