ARSENAL are reportedly under pressure to insert a release clause in Bukayo Saka’s new contract with the winger desperate to play in the Champions League.
Back-to-back defeats against Tottenham and Newcastle have left the Gunners in fifth spot heading into their final game of the season against Everton.
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka still has two years left to run on his contract at the Emirates
The North London side must beat the Toffees at the Emirates while requiring rivals Spurs to lose away at Norwich.
Failure to finish in the top four could play a huge role in contract talks for Saka, with Arsenal set to speak to the player at the end of the season.
The England international is tied down at the club until 2024, but Mikel Arteta‘s side are desperate to hand him fresh terms.
SunSport exclusively revealed in March how Arsenal are set to quadruple the wages of the 20-year-old to around £125,000-a-week.
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But according to the Daily Mail, Arsenal have been dealt a blow in their quest to tie him down.
They state that while Saka is happy at the club, he may be reluctant to extend his stay without an exit strategy.
The news outlet adds that the youngster could decide against a new contract should a release clause not be included in the deal.
Despite having a brilliant relationship with Arsenal and Arteta, he longs to play in Europe’s premier competition.
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Arsenal do not ordinarily insert release clauses into their players’ contracts along with most other English clubs.
However they may be forced to make an exception for Saka should the two parties fail to come to an agreement without one.
Saka has been the club’s standout player this season having chipped in with 12 goals and six assists in 42 games in all competitions.
With Arsenal to return to Europe next season along with the World Cup looming, Arteta is keen for the forward to have a prolonged break over the summer.
The Spaniard said: “He needs a break, that is for sure. He has played a lot of minutes this season and he played a lot of minutes last season.
“You expect your important players to do so, to have that ability and show the quality that Bukayo has shown consistently throughout the season.
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“But obviously you have to bear in mind that at some stage he needs to rest.
“That is something we really need to think about, the plans for him in the summer.”
