sport news AHEAD OF THE GAME: Arsenal resist requests to insert a release clause in Bukayo ... trends now
Arsenal resisted requests to insert a release clause in Bukayo Saka's new contract and instead agreed to give the England forward a shorter deal than many had expected, with the 21-year-old signing on for four more years this week.
The compromise suits both parties, with Arsenal protecting Saka's transfer value and the player keeping his options open should he wish to move in two years' time, when the club will either cash in or offer him another new deal.
Unlike some Premier League clubs, Arsenal are reluctant to follow the European model of giving players set release clauses and prefer to trust in the negotiating skills of their transfer team, lead by sporting director Edu.
Saka's contract has trebled his basic wages to about £200,000 a week, but he could earn as much as £290,000 if performance targets are met.
Arsenal forward Buyako Saka was awarded a contract shorter than what many had expected
The club were able to protect Saka's transfer value with the compromise suiting both parties
OWNER NOT AT CITY'S BIG FINAL
Sheik Mansour is not planning to attend Manchester City's Champions League final against Inter Milan, despite his club being on the brink of a historic Treble.
The City owner has spent billions on the club since leading a £265million takeover in 2008, with next month's final in Istanbul shaping up to be the biggest moment in their 143-year history.
Yet he appears to have little interest in attending. In fact, Mansour has only been to one City game since buying the club - a match against Liverpool in 2009-10 - but has watched training when the squad have visited Abu Dhabi.
Laura Woods is set to present Champions League coverage on TNT
