Ian Wright thinks Bukayo Saka and his agents are right to try and get their money’s worth from Arsenal, but he believes the player should and will sign an extension.

Speaking to DAZN, Ian Wright discussed the future of teenage Arsenal star Bukayo Saka.

The 18-year-old made himself a first-team regular at the club before the coronavirus shutdown, and it looks like he’ll remain around the starting lineup when football returns this week. But he only has a year left on his contract and no agreement to extend.

Arsenal are in talks with the player and his representatives, according to the most recent reports. However, it’s clearly not a straightforward negotiation. Wright thinks that’s a good thing.

“[Saka’s] right – him and his representatives – to hold out as best they can because he’s the future of the club,” Wright said (via Mirror).

“I believe he will sign but I do think him and his reps are doing the right thing by dragging it out to get the best deal they can. Arsenal is the right place for him at the moment.”

If it’s just about money, then I’m on board with Wright. As much as we all hope our players sign on for £10,000-a-week contracts with zero bonuses and never complain about it, the reality is that he’s within his rights to negotiate a fair rate.

Signing onto a five-year contract is a lengthy commitment. Saka has to think about whether his current wages will still be acceptable when he’s 23.

Personally, I’m more worried about what will happen if it’s not about money. If Saka wants playing-time guarantees Arsenal won’t offer, or a move to a Champions League-qualified club, or similar. That’s a more difficult obstacle to overcome.