Surface level analysis + Arsenal set for Saka contract talks

Morning all.

I watched Arsenal Women’s quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid last night, and two mistakes cost us dearly. A goal in each half for the home side gives us lots to do in the second leg, but at least that game will be played on a pitch that’s worthy of a tournament like this.

Real Madrid can’t control the weather, and it rained a fair bit by all accounts, but that playing surface was genuinely terrible. Yes, it was the same for both sides, but that doesn’t mean it was acceptable. A Real Madrid player actually got injured because of how poor it was. I think it played a part in the first goal, the way the ball skidded caught out Leah Williamson, but for the second the goalkeeper should have done better and Arsenal’s defenders can’t back off and let someone just shoot like that either.

So, lots to do in the second leg which takes place next week – after a weekend game against Liverpool too. Afterwards, Renee Slegers said:

It’s two nil but it’s half-time. The players tried so all credit to them for trying and their work rate. But again, I think we’re all confident that we can do something against them at the Emirates at home because it’s only half time.

—

Meanwhile, the BBC reported yesterday that Arsenal are set to open talks with Bukayo Saka over a new contract. Whether this is related to the impending appointment of Andrea Berta or not, it’s hard to say, but you would have to imagine this is a scenario that is distinct from him. He might be involved, he might play a part, but this isn’t a decision that needs his input.

It is, by some distance, the most obvious thing Arsenal need to do – along with ensuring William Saliba extends his deal too. The latter has made positive noises about his future, saying he wants to stay and win trophies with the club, so that at least gives you a nice platform to begin negotiations.

Similarly, it shouldn’t be massively difficult with Saka, even if his agent is someone who can be tricky to deal with. Ultimately though, he has a good track record of getting very good terms for his clients, so maybe it needs to be viewed through that prism first and foremost. And if you’re representing Bukayo Saka, you know you have a very strong hand to play with.

That said, Saka’s connection to the club, to the fans, to the community etc because of his history through Hale End and as an Arsenal fan, is a big help. It doesn’t mean it’s something we should take for granted, but he too is someone who will want to stay and to win things in red and white. If it becomes abundantly clear that won’t happen, we shouldn’t be under any illusions about a player of his quality choosing a different path to fulfill those ambitions, but I don’t think we’re at that point – even if this season has been disappointing.

Circling back around to the Sporting Director, for me the contractual situations are directly linked to summer recruitment. We’ve been asked for the Arsecast Extra which is more important, bringing players in or renewals? My answer is both. You can convince players to stay more easily if you show real ambition and add serious quality in the market. Equally, if you’re trying to convince someone Arsenal is the club to which you’re going to commit the next 5 years of your career, telling them you’re gonna be playing with Saka, Saliba et al is obviously an attractive proposition.

There was also a line about Gabriel in the BBC article, which said the Brazil international ‘has also held talks over an extension’, but he is believed to have garnered interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia. This bit is not new, that was the issue when he was left on the bench for a couple of games at the start of last season, and until that was done and dusted, it cost him his place in the team.

This is certainly an interesting one, because you can understand why some players might find the terms on offer from Saudi Arabia attractive. It allows them to justify a move which, if viewed only through the terms of the quality/prestige of the league, is unquestionably a step down from the Premier League and Champions League. Gabriel is now 27, and he was one of the first to commit to a new deal when we started the last round of renewals – and perhaps didn’t get the same financial terms as some of those who re-signed later, or even signed for the club after that.

I don’t know if that’s something that bothers him, but what I would say is that if a new offer is made to him now – and I absolutely think it should be, it’s as important as Saka/Saliba for me – then it has to reflect his stature as one of the most important and now one of the most experienced players in the squad. He has produced high level performances with a consistency that few centre-halves can manage in the Premier League, and his partnership with Saliba is crucial for our hopes of future success.

Look at what Virgil van Dijk is doing at 33. Gabriel has good years left, and we need to ensure the best of those are in an Arsenal shirt. He has more than earned the kind of contract that puts him on a par with our top earners, so let’s hope that’s one we can sort out without too much fuss.

Ok, I’ll leave it there for now. Have a good one folks.

The post Surface level analysis + Arsenal set for Saka contract talks appeared first on Arseblog ... an Arsenal blog.