"Definitely want to get out if..." Ex-PL star claims €65M star could leave and tips Liverpool and Man City to sign him

Champions League is of paramount importance when trying to attract players to a club - but it's also essential to keep a player at a club.

The lure of European football at the highest level drives top players; without it, players could look to move on to bigger and better things.

This could be the case for Arsenal's Bukayo Saka - a player who has become a star for club and country in recent seasons.

Still only 20, Arsenal are facing a tough battle for top four football and failing to secure it could see one of their most adored starlets seek out CL football.

Latest reports on Saka

Despite being an Arsenal academy graduate, Saka is still negotiating a new deal but with talks ongoing, it's led to rumours of a possible departure in the future.

Liverpool is a club that would no doubt be interested - given Saka on the right wing would be a great Mohamed Salah replacement in the future. Saka managed 11 goals and seven assists in the league in his best season to date last year.

Former PL goalkeeper Paddy Kenny told Football Insider claiming that top four football is going to be key to ensure Saka stays at Arsenal.

He said: “I think Arsenal will be going for fourth this season. I like who they have added, Jesus and Zinchenko. I just think he (Saka) isn’t in a major rush to sign. If Arsenal didn’t get into the Champions League this season I wouldn’t be surprised if he is looking for a move.

“He would be looking for a move to a regular Champions League team like Liverpool or Man City, even Chelsea. It would have to be someone who is more or less guaranteed Champions League football. It is a tough one because he still has years left on his deal and whoever comes in will have to pay top dollar.

“He will definitely want to get out if they don’t get into the Champions League, that’s what the club will promise him.”

New deal soon?

Arsenal's Sporting Director Edu ensured that a new deal is in the works and that Saka wants to remain at Arsenal.

He told The Athletic: “[The delay is] normal. We’re going to sit and put all the expectations in the right place. Our expectations and his, his family and his agent’s expectations, and put everything together.

"The main thing is how he feels, how he feels comfortable with us. He’s happy, we’re happy, so it’s just: sit down and find a solution.”

Edu had confessed they would eventually have to sell some of their young players - but stressed he did not mean Saka: “For example, let’s talk about next season or another. If we sell, I don’t know, Bukayo Saka - that’s not going to happen but it’s just an example - we as a club have to prepare his replacement straight away.