Bukayo Saka has dropped a potential hint over his Arsenal future after being named as the club’s player of the season once again.
Saka became the first Gunners star since club icon Thierry Henry in 2004 - and only the fourth ever after Henry, Ian Wright and Liam Brady - to win the award in back-to-back seasons after claiming 58 per cent of the fan vote, finishing ahead of Martin Odegaard and Aaron Ramsdale.
The 20-year-old enjoyed another fine season under Mikel Arteta, scoring 12 goals and registering seven assists in 43 total appearances across all competitions.
However, Saka’s future at Arsenal has been subject to plenty of question marks of late, with both Liverpool and Manchester City believed to be keeping a close eye on his contract situation.
The versatile winger is entering the final two years of his current deal penned in 2020 amid speculation that the Premier League title contenders could attempt to capitalise on the growing uncertainty, especially after Arsenal threw away the chance to finally end their five-year Champions League exile this season.
🏆 Bukayo x Beth 🏆
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) June 8, 2022
A big thank you from our two Player of the Season winners! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/FHoRXQoGOp
However, in a joint video message recorded alongside Arsenal Women’s Player of the Season Beth Mead while away on England duty, Saka appeared to suggest that he would be staying put at the Emirates for at least another season.
“Hello Arsenal fans, I just wanted to say thank you for voting me as your player of the season again,” he said in a short clip shared on the club’s social media accounts. “It’s a real honour to win this trophy and I really feel all your love and support.”
Perhaps most pertinently, he then added: “See you next season.”
Standard Sport understands that Arsenal remain hopeful of agreeing a long-term contract extension with academy graduate Saka, who has been with the club since the age of eight.
They have already held initial talks with the player’s camp and plan to conduct more imminent discussions once he returns from Nations League duty with England.
Arsenal view Saka as a key part of their future and he enjoys a strong relationship with manager Arteta, with a new contract among the club’s top priorities during an important summer.
