The Arsenal star’s national team award shows where the team’s focus should be outside of transfers.
Bukayo Saka’s contract renewal is Arsenal’s next transfer priority. The youngster beat out Harry Kane and Declan Rice for the award.
It follows a difficult but resilient year for the Gunners talisman, who produced all-time highs. Mikel Arteta was pleased with how Arteta bounced back after missing a penalty in England’s Euro 2020 final loss to Italy.
The Spaniard said in April that Bukayo Saka’s penalty miss had a reason. “He’s learned so much and been through so much, which explains his season.
The England international has become a first-choice player for both club and country, demonstrating his ability to bounce back. He’s Arsenal’s only senior right-winger, highlighting his importance.
With his international recognition, Manchester City and Liverpool will continue to be interested. CIES Football Observatory values the 21-year-old at £89million, but he has less than two years left on his contract.
A contract extension is needed to build the team going forward. Both Arteta and Saka say negotiations are moving in the right direction.
Arsenal still needs that to be signed, as the forward continues to shine.