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Football London
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Laurie Martin

Pundit outlines what Mikel Arteta must do to convince Bukayo Saka to sign new contract

Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Darren Bent believes Arsenal must finish in the top four this season to keep hold of Bukayo Saka.

The 20-year-old's future at the Emirates Stadium is uncertain, with his contract set to expire in 2024. However, the club has plenty of confidence that Saka will soon commit to a new deal.

When recently questioned on Saka's contract situation, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said: "I am very confident that we as a club and Bukayo, his family, his agent, everybody, we are very much aligned in what we want to achieve. And now it is about putting it on a piece of paper."

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta highlights Gabriel Martinelli's elite mentality with Arsenal star now reaping rewards

Saka has also gone on record regarding his contract situation. The England international has refused to be drawn into a timescale when he is likely to sign a new deal, but he is bullish that he will extend his stay at the club he has been at since the age of seven.

"Yes, I share his confidence," said Saka. "I share that confidence. That is it!"

However, Bent says there are' serious questions' over Saka's future at Arsenal. He believes Saka could move on if Arsenal doesn't qualify for the Champions League this season - something the club haven't done since 2016.

"If Arsenal finishes in the Champions League, I think he stays," Bent told Sky Sports News. "If not, I think there are going to be some serious questions."

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