Arsenal need Champions League football to keep the likes of Bukayo Saka, warns William Gallas

Arsenal need Champions League football to attract the best players and to keep the likes of Bukayo Saka at the Emirates.

That’s the opinion of former club captain William Gallas, who believes it’s ‘very important’ that the Gunners finish in the top-four this term.

The Gunners are currently four points off fourth spot but they have three games in hand on Manchester United.

Arsenal last qualified for the competition in 2016 and they’ve spent five years outside of the Champions League, which has impacted the club’s revenue and ability to attract better players.

Saka has been the club’s shining light so far this term, scoring seven goals in 31 appearances across all competitions.

The England international has two years left on his deal at the Emirates and the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool are keeping an eye on the winger’s situation, with Saka said to be waiting to see how the season finishes before judging his contract situation.

And, speaking exclusively to Metro.co.uk on behalf of Bet365, Gallas says the Gunners risk losing Saka unless they can provide him with Champions League football.

‘The Champions League is the best competition to play in, hearing that music and dreaming about lifting that trophy,’ said Saka. ‘All players dream about playing in and winning the Champions League, so it’s very important for Arsenal to be there next season.

‘If they want to keep the best players in their team and attract the best from around the world, then they need to be in the Champions League or certainly from Arsenal’s point of view, back playing European football.’

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