Arsenal are finalising the details of a long-term contract offer for Bukayo Saka, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein. The teenage sensation has just one year remaining on his contract and he had plenty of Europe’s elite sniffing around him. Now, though, it seems the versatile 18-year-old is set to stay in North London and kick on further under Mikel Arteta’s guidance.
Arsenal Finalising Long-Term Contract for Bukayo Saka
Arsenal putting finishing touches to new long-term contract for Bukayo Saka that will settle future of brilliant academy graduate. Expected to be announced this week. Also intensifying pursuit of Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey @TheAthleticUK #AFC https://t.co/uzsvNPaKGI
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 1, 2020
Versatility Vital for Arsenal
What makes Saka such a key component to this Arsenal squad is his ability to play in a variety of positions. When he first came into the squad he was deployed as a wide forward, as he was in the U23 team. Injuries then saw him play at left-back under Freddie Ljungberg’s temporary time in charge.
He then played as a right-winger in the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, centrally against Brighton & Hove Albion and as a wing-back against Southampton, performing admirably in each.
Key to a Good Finish
While Saka has performed well since the restart, Arsenal, as a whole, have not. They have won just once in the Premier League – the 2-0 win away at Southampton and required a 90th-minute winner from Dani Ceballos to edge past Sheffield United into the FA Cup semi-finals.
Such form has seen the Gunners drop to 10th in the league and qualification for next season’s Champions League is now but a glimmer. With so many teams in close proximity to each other and all fighting for the same spots, even the Europa League may pass them by this season.
However, if Saka can continue to perform, it will at least be one bright note at the end of a miserable season for the Gunners.
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