Bukayo Saka was magnificent for Arsenal during the start of the 2022/2023 campaign as the youngster played a major part in Arsenal’s early title charge. His impact on the team was epitomised by the fact that he was called up and used as a starter for England at the 2022 World Cup.
There had been speculation surrounding his future as he is yet to sign a new deal. But Arsenal must make securing his future a priority, as his impact highlighted how important he is to the team
The Gunners may get a helping hand from Marcus Rashford in Edu’s attempts to keep Saka at the club. This comes after Real Madrid have reportedly turned their attention to the Englishman despite registering interest in Saka.
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According to Daily Express, Manchester United fear they will be forced into the sale of Rashford in the summer as the winger enters the last year of his contract. Real Madrid are reportedly one of the clubs interested in his signature as they look to expand their attack.
This comes after there had been questions surrounding Saka’s future at the Emirates Stadium, in particular recently as his contract situation is beginning to reach a precarious stage. He currently has two years remaining on his current deal and is approaching the stage where a renewal must happen.
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.
Despite Real Madrid’s reported interest in Saka, signing both Rashford and the Englishman would make little sense due to the pair playing in the same position. With them operating in the same area of the pitch, acquiring both players may not be worth the financial package required for a double signing.
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.
Arsenal are said to be 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.
Following Arsenal's 3-0 win against Bournemouth in August, it meant that Saka became the second youngest player to reach 100 Premier League appearances, with Cesc Fabregas ranking above him.
The academy graduate is also in the top five for appearances made for Arsenal before turning 20, meaning he is above Arsenal legends such as David Rocastle and Liam Brady, and has been used more than any other player by Mikel Arteta since he took charge of the team in 2019, highlighting why it is pivotal that the Gunners tie Saka to a new contract. And Rashford’s transfer situation could hand Edu a major boost in keeping the Englishman at the club.
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