Bukayo Saka was heavily criticised at the start of the season due to the lack of direct goal involvement. However, in recent weeks he has silenced the critics, and once again established himself as one of Mikel Arteta’s most important players.
This has been epitomised by the fact that he has had the same impact on the Gunners that Kevin De Bruyne has for Manchester City from a creative point of view so far this season. He has been a handful for the opposition and arguably Arsenal’s most threatening player.
However, The Hale End graduate’s ongoing contract situation remains a slight concern for Arsenal with Saka’s current deal set to expire in 2024. Manchester City are reportedly set to announce the renewal of their homegrown talent in Phill Foden and Edu needs to push to do the same considering both sides are currently leading the Premier League table.
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According to the Athletic’s David Ornstein, Manchester City are hopeful that Foden will sign a contract extension until 2027. The signature should be confirmed this week. This is great news for the Citizens as Foden is certainly the face of the academy having come through their ranks and going on to become a crucial player in Pep Guardiola’s team. This is why it is important that Arsenal achieve the same with Saka, who is the Foden replica at Arsenal in terms of how he is loved amongst the fan base and the level of importance to the team.
With Arsenal and Manchester City currently battling it out for the top spot in the Premier League table, the Gunners replying to Foden’s contract renewal by extending Saka’s deal around the same time would certainly be a statement by the north London side that they are willing to compete in more than just on the pitch.
Towards the end of last season, the Englishman was viewed as one of the club's most valuable assets and football.london understood that the Gunners had made extending the current contract of the youngster a key priority ahead of the summer transfer window. The 20-year-old is currently valued at £84million, according to CIES Football Observatory.
However, according to 90min, Real Madrid and Manchester City are among the sides monitoring Saka, which Arsenal and the player are aware of, but there's growing confidence that fresh terms will be signed off before the new year.
It is because of this that 90min have also reported that Arsenal are pushing hard to tie Saka down to a new long-term contract. The report goes on to claim that Edu believes the deal is on the right track.
The youngster has recorded the second most assists in the Premier League so far this season. Saka has assisted a teammate on four different occasions, as De Bruyne is the only player to provide more in the division by setting up six goals, but the fact that Saka is almost level with the Belgian is impressive due to the Manchester City midfielder being considered as one of the best and most creative players in the division.
Saka’s importance to the team from a creativity point of view highlights why it is pivotal that the Gunners extend his contract, and Manchester City have sent a reminder to do so.
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