'Does he actually want to win silverware?' - Arsenal warned Bukayo Saka could leave in free transfer to Real Madrid as Gunners star enters last two years of his contract

Saka returned from a three-month hamstring injury with a goal against Fulham on Tuesday evening, but his side's title bid has stalled in his absence and the Champions League is their last chance to avoid another trophyless season. Former Manchester City winger and Premier League title-winner Shaun Wright-Phillips has questioned Saka's motivations, claiming he may have to leave to become a serial title-winner.

Saka has won just one trophy since breaking into the Arsenal first team, an unused substitute for the 2020 FA Cup final. Kylian Mbappe signed for Real Madrid on a free transfer last summer with England team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold set to follow in the coming months - and Wright-Phillips suggests a move to Spain could pay off for Saka. Arsenal have been stung in previous circumstances before, when they were forced to sell star striker Robin van Persie to Manchester United with one year remaining on his deal in 2012.

Wright-Phillips told Genting Casino: "In Saka's position, does he want to be a one club man, or does he actually want to go and win silverware? I’m not saying Arsenal won’t win anything, but players know that if they sign for Real Madrid, they’re going to get a medal every season. That could be in their thought processes. From what I see, Saka and [William] Saliba love the club. So for them not to sign new contracts, that would catch me off guard."

Saka is fully fit for the Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid beginning next week, but is first back in action for the Gunners' trip to Everton on Saturday.