BBC pundit warns Saka may have to consider leaving Arsenal

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Garth Crooks has told BBC Sport that Bukayo Saka seems to glide through games right now, and suggested that he will need to leave Arsenal if they cannot secure Champions League football.

Saka was absolutely outstanding on Sunday as the Gunners beat Watford 3-2 at Vicarage Road. He took his goal absolutely brilliantly. And he now has eight in the Premier League this season.

Some of the football Arsenal played during the game was outrageous. And the result has moved Mikel Arteta’s side into the top-four. Crucially, they have three games in hand over the two sides below them in the table.

Arsenal have a daunting run of games coming up, with no team in the bottom seven until May. But clearly, they have huge confidence right now. And Saka has been at the heart of everything Arsenal have done well in recent months.

Crooks was full of praise for his form as he included the 20-year-old in his team of the week. But he also had a warning for the Gunners regarding their push for the top-four.

“Arsenal’s most recent performance against Watford was enough to win all three points but they still show signs of frailty at the back. The reason the Gunners are still flirting with a top-four place is due largely to the brilliance of Bukayo Saka,” he told BBC Sport.

“The England international has grown tremendously since he played in the European championships and seems to glide through games these days. If Arsenal can’t provide Champions League football for the youngster then I suggest he finds it somewhere else. Talent like this shouldn’t hang around.”

Arsenal still have chance of convincing Saka to stay should they miss out this year

Arsenal are in a fantastic position. But they have a tough run of games left. So there are no guarantees over that fourth spot. Third is not out of the question either.

It is likely that Saka will attract interest should they fall short. Reports have claimed that Manchester City and Liverpool are interested.

However, Arsenal falling short and still keeping Saka is surely not out of the question. They will hope that they do not need to worry about that eventuality.

But Saka clearly has an amazing connection to Arsenal. And given his age, he may be prepared to give it one more year.

They are clearly moving in the right direction. So even if it is not this year, Saka will know that there may still be an opportunity to realise some of his goals while playing for his boyhood club.