Arsenal have been handed a clear message for their next transfer priority and that is the renewal of Bukayo Saka's contract. The youngster was awarded the England Men's Player of the Year award for 2021/22, beating the likes of Harry Kane and Declan Rice to the accolade.
It comes after a difficult, yet resilient year for the Gunners talisman, who bounced back from low moments to produce some all-time highs. One of those lows was missing a decisive penalty in the Three Lions' Euro 2020 final loss to Italy last summer, but Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was pleased with how he bounced back.
"I said to you guys, when that [penalty miss] happened to Bukayo [Saka] it happened for a reason," the Spaniard said back in April. "He learned so much and he’s been through so much that’s why he’s having the season he’s having today.
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The England international has managed to become one of the first names on the team sheet for both club and country, showing his ability to bounce back and learn to keep moving forward. He is the only senior right-wing option at Arsenal as it stands, yet again outlining his importance.
However, with that and his recognition for the national team, it will only continue to attract interest from the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool. The 21-year-old is currently valued at £89million on CIES Football Observatory, but has less than two-years remaining on his contract.
Therefore, the need for an extension to that current deal is the priority for building the team going forward. The sounds coming from both Arteta and Saka themselves on the deals sound positive, with both parties claiming that negotiations are moving in the right direction.
The need for that to be put on paper and signed remains huge for Arsenal though as the forward continues to shine each and every day.
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