Arsenal star reluctant to sign new contract unless it includes a release clause

Bukayo Saka is reluctant to commit to a new contract with Arsenal without a release clause being included.

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

Saka has a year left on his current contract with the option to extend that by a further 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 eager to test himself in the Champions League.

The Mail report that when Saka enters talks over a new deal he will be ‘reluctant to commit himself without an exit strategy.’

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

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

Arsenal need their arch-rivals to lose to Norwich on the final day of the season on Sunday while they will have to pick up all three points against Everton.

Saka has played 42 games in all competitions this season having barely had a break last summer following England’s run to the final of Euro 2020.

With Arsenal facing a heavier schedule next season with their return to European football, Arteta is eager for the youngster to have a prolonged break over the summer and plans to speak to Gareth Southgate over his international involvement.

‘He needs a break, that is for sure,” Arteta said. ‘He has played a lot of minutes this season and he played a lot of minutes last season.

‘You expect your important