Bukayo Saka is keeping his options open as the rising star is linked with a move to Manchester City or Liverpool.
The Arsenal winger's contract expires in 2024 and the club want to tie him down to a long-term deal. Talks with Saka's representatives are ongoing but the player is seemingly reluctant to commit his future to the Gunners unless a release clause can be included in his new deal, according to the Daily Mail.
Saka is happy in North London but wants to play in the Champions League and a release clause would give him some flexibility if Arsenal are unable to offer him that opportunity in the near future. The Gunners do not typically insert release clauses into their players’ contracts, like most English clubs, to ensure they only ever sell from a position of strength, but Saka could force their hand.
Saka's uncertain future means the likes of City and Liverpool are reportedly circling. However, Pep Guardiola's men have dismissed suggestions they are set to move for the 20-year-old this summer. City sources have told Mirror Football there is “nothing in the rumours” linking them with Saka in the upcoming window, but that doesn't mean they won't come calling next summer if he enters the final 12 months of his deal.
Former Arsenal star Theo Walcott has warned Saka that joining City at this stage in his career could hurt his development as he wouldn't see regular playing time.
"Well, there is obviously a transitional stage at Arsenal, that Mikel is part of, and Saka is massively part of it as well," Walcott told talkSPORT. "The younger crop of players at Arsenal coming through, I feel as though the club need to keep hold of him, simple as that.
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"Obviously, when Manchester City comes knocking on the door, it is such a hard thing for any player really to turn down. He is very young, but I feel that he likes the area of London in Arsenal, the fans have been fantastic, and at the Emirates, which is one of the best stadiums I have ever played in.
"He has great support, and I will be intrigued. My heart says he will be at Arsenal next season, and we will see after that. He needs to understand that the playing opportunities will be limited at Manchester City. He will, of course, be more likely to win things, but it is not saying Arsenal won’t win things.
"I think they are in that phase, they are slowly starting to get there. They would have taken fifth at the start of the season, given how it went. I am hopeful he will be at Arsenal next season, I am pretty sure of that."
