Arsenal have a history of being unable to keep hold of their star players – from Ashley Cole to Cesc Fabregas to Robin van Persie – but with a new generation of talent flourishing in north London, the Gunners must avoid repeating the mistakes of their recent past if they are to continue their progression
Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe have elevated Mikel Arteta’s squad to top-four hopefuls, becoming the first duo under the age of 21 to score 10 Premier League goals each in a season since Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney did so in 2006-07.
Achieving a top-four finish is in Arsenal’s hands with teams around them struggling to find consistency. Tottenham have failed to score or even register a shot on target in their previous two games, while Manchester United seem completely incapable of playing as a functioning unit.
Playing on Europe’s biggest stage strengthens a club’s magnetic pull towards top-class players but for Arsenal, it would also help to secure the futures of several promising talents including Saka, Smith Rowe, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard.
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“You’ve seen how much of a team we’ve been,” said Saka when asked about his stellar performances on MOTDx.
“I think that’s probably been the spark. That hunger we have to work for each other. Everyone’s young and just wants to give their all to Arsenal.”
He may be committed to the process but with his contract expiring in 2024 will he be content with Arsenal’s position if they are not competing for major honours soon? The same applies to Smith Rowe whose deal runs until 2026.
During the Euros, Saka proved that he can perform on the highest stage and without a doubt, he will want to compete in the Champions League and push for domestic titles.
Technical director Edu Gaspar is reportedly ready to offer the 20-year-old a contract extension to reflect his importance to the squad.
Saka has played in every league game this season racking up 16 goal contributions (11 goals, five assists), demonstrating how much Arsenal depend upon him already.
A reliance similar to van Persie who “didn’t feel like we [Arsenal] were on the level to compete.”
Fabregas also made his frustration about the Gunners public in an interview with Rio Ferdinand.
“In important moments I felt so frustrated to see big teams always winning and always having that edge,” he said. “I was hungry, I wanted to win, I was a competitor, I would have done anything to win for Arsenal and I felt it wasn’t coming.
“We had opportunities to sign good players that I felt would make such a difference and for one thing or another they looked away.”
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Ultimately the lack of Champions League football meant the Serbian and his agent refused to entertain Arsenal’s interest.
But even if Arsenal return to the Champions League they will find it hard to compete with Liverpool and Manchester City who have won the last four Premier League titles between them and will make it five by the end of this campaign.
Jurgen Klopp extended his contract at Liverpool until 2026 earlier this week and Pep Guardiola cannot “visualise being at a better place” than Manchester City. The division may continue to be a two-horse race for the foreseeable future.
Saka and Smith Rowe could find themselves in a situation similar to Harry Kane who last summer agitated for a move away to Spurs to join City in order to enhance his prospects of winning silverware. Qualifying for Europe’s top-tier competition represents Arsenal’s best chance of keeping their star duo happy.
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