Bukayo Saka was magnificent for Arsenal during the 2021/2022 campaign as the youngster played a major part in Arsenal’s push for Champions League qualification. His importance to the team was epitomised by the fact that he was awarded with the player of the season award.
His excellent displays also rank him amongst Europe’s best for players at the age of 21 or under. Saka had previously been criticised for his lack of goal involvement, but this is an element of his game that he improved on during the last campaign.
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 over the summer, as his goal involvements highlighted how important he is to the team.
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Last season, Saka ranked third for the most goal involvements for a player under the age of 21 in Europe’s top five leagues. The Englishman finished the campaign with 18 goal contributions for Arsenal.
Only Erling Haaland and Vinicius Jr had more than Saka with both players contributing to 29 and 27 goals throughout the campaign. Saka recorded more goals than previous Arsenal targets in Hugo Ekitike and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Saka’s excellent potential was clear from the moment that he graduated from the Hale End academy. However, the question posed at the time was whether he could turn his explosive pace and silky dribbling skills into goal conversions, which this season he has proved he can
There have been questions surrounding Saka’s future at the Emirates Stadium, in particular recently as his contract situation is beginning to reach a precarious stage. This summer he will have just two years remaining on his current deal and is approaching the stage where a renewal must happen.
The Englishman is viewed as one of the club's most valuable assets and football.london understands that the Gunners have made extending the current contract of the youngster a key priority ahead of the summer transfer window. The 20-year-old is currently valued at £84million, according to CIES Football Observatory .
A lot of pressure has been heaped on the shoulders of Saka to carry Arsenal through tough situations despite his tender age, and his style is key to Arsenal's improved fluency in attack. It has also led to him being the most-used player under Arteta since he took control of the team in 2019.
The academy graduate is in the top five for appearances made for Arsenal before turning 20, meaning he is above club legends such as David Rocastle and Liam Brady. This further highlights his importance to the Gunners since breaking through into the first team.
The fact that Saka ranks among the best players in Europe for his goal contributions shows his role in Arsenal’s push for a Champions League place next season. If the Gunners are to qualify for the elite European competition, then Saka's presence in the squad will be key.
