Arsenal could struggle to get Saka to sign a new long-term deal without the UCL

Arsenal face a battle to complete their priority squad business - including signing Bukayo Saka to a new contract - if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.

The Gunners are set to embark on a summer recruitment drive, with two new forwards, a centre midfielder and a right-back on Mikel Arteta’s wishlist.

Sportmail understands signing Saka to a new long-term contract has also been made a priority at the Emirates Stadium.

But there are emerging concerns that the task of improving the squad with their preferred options will hinge on which European competition they are playing in next season.

In relation to Saka; there is a concern that extending the England international’s current deal, that expires in 2024, will be significantly harder if Arsenal once again fail to finish in the top-four.

Saka is widely recognised as one of world football’s best young footballers with clubs across the continent watching developments closely. Liverpool and Manchester United have already been linked the 20-year-old.

Arsenal will offer Saka a big pay-rise on his current deal, understood to be in the region of £35,000-per-week, to put him in line with the club’s highest earners. But money will not be the overriding factor when Saka comes to decide on signing his next playing contract.

England team-mates such as Jadon Sancho, Phil Foden, both 21, and Jude Bellingham, 18, all have substantial Champions League experience under their belts - yet Saka, who is of a similar age, is yet to play in European football’s top club competition.

Allowing Saka to enter the final two years of his contract could spell danger for the Gunners, a scenario they are desperate to avoid. But their hopes of getting the youngster to commit to a new long-term deal will be smoother with the guarantee of Champions League football next season.

Meanwhile, there is also emerging doubt over whether striker target Alexander Isak would be prepared to sign for the club without Champions League football next season.

Having missed out on landing No 1 striker target Dusan Vlahovic in January, primarily because the Serbian wanted to be playing top-tier European competition, the Gunners turned their attentions to Real Sociedad striker Isak.

However, Sportsmail understands the Sweden striker needed convincing they could match his ambitions.

Arsenal are set to try again for Isak in the summer - but Champions League qualification is again likely to be a consideration. The Gunners haven’t played in the Champions League since 2017. They are currently two points adrift of fourth placed Manchester United with a game in hand.