Arsenal under pressure to include release clause in new deal for Bukayo Saka | Soccer

The 20-year-old has enjoyed another superb season in north London, with the Gunners keen to tie him to a new long-term deal.

Saka has one year left on his current contract with an option to extend it for another 12 months. Formal talks are expected to take place with his representatives at the end of the season and while he is happy at the club, the England international is keen to prove himself in the Champions League.

The Mail reports that if Saka begins talks about a new deal, he “will be reluctant to commit without an exit strategy.”

While release clauses are extremely rare in English football, Arsenal could come under pressure to include one and could be forced to make an exception on this occasion.

Arsenal were close to a Champions League return but back-to-back defeats to Tottenham and Newcastle United have left Spurs in control of the final day of the season.

Arsenal are set to lose their arch-rivals to Norwich in Sunday’s final match, while they need all three points against Everton.

Saka has made 42 appearances in all competitions this season after barely resting after England’s run to the Euro 2020 final last summer.

With Arsenal facing a heavier schedule next season with their return to European football, Arteta is keen for the youngster to take an extended break in the summer and plans to speak to Gareth Southgate about his international commitment.

“He needs a break, that’s for sure,” Arteta said. “He played a lot of minutes this season and he played a lot of minutes last season.

“You expect your key players to have that ability and show the quality that Bukayo have shown consistently throughout the season.

“But of course you have to consider that at some point he has to rest. We really need to think about that, the plans for him in the summer.”

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