Bukayo Saka has maintained “I want to win wearing this badge” after being quizzed on his Arsenal future. The winger has two years left on his deal but he is beginning to be questioned on his next move – with his focus fixed firmly on matters in north London.
Saka has gone from an academy graduate to one of the club’s talismans and recently made a return from a lengthy injury lay off. His connection and affiliation with the Gunners has led to an emotional bond with the fans, which was apparent when he scored last week in the win over Fulham
There has previously been talk of a move away with Liverpool and Manchester City linked, but the England international looks to have nailed his colours to the mast with Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta has led a renaissance at the Emirates, even if silverware has been at a premium. Arsenal are again in a position to challenge and Saka wants to add to the FA Cup he won in 2020, which remains his only major honour.
He said: “Yeah well for me I want to win and I want to win wearing this badge, so its pretty clear the fans know how much I love them. You saw when I came on on Tuesday, I think they love me back and its a good relationship. I’m very happy to be here and I’m just focused on winning here.”
The winger also added: “I don’t think anyone’s in a rush. I have two years left on my contract, I think everyone’s pretty relaxed. Everyone knows my thoughts.”
An inconsistent season domestically means the Premier League is all but out of reach with Liverpool set to claim the title. It means Arsenal’s focus is largely on the Champions League ahead of a quarter-final clash with defending champions Real Madrid, who head to London this week.
Arsenal have been strong performers on their own patch, beating the likes of PSG, and Saka insists Real should be aware of the challenge that awaits them. “I think, looking at our home record in the Champions League, I don’t think we’ve lost a game in the last two seasons and I’m sure they know that and they need to be ready,” he said.
Real will come armed with the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jnr, who are among the world’s top performers, but Saka refused to believe they are beyond him.
He said: “I think there’s lost of opinions, I don’t want to sit here and say they are a level above me because that’s not the way I think. I’ll leave everyone to have their opinions and other things will speak for themselves.”
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