According to Tony Adams, Bukayo Saka is the clear choice for Footballer of the Year, with only Lionel Messi currently being superior to him.

Only Lionel Messi sits above Bukayo Saka in the global pecking order, says Tony Adams, with the Arsenal star heading for Player of the Year honours.

• Gunners forward enjoying personal-best campaign
• Has also been starring for England
• Big decision to make on new contract

WHAT HAPPENED? The 21-year-old forward has been a revelation for the Gunners this season, posting a personal-best goal return of 13 efforts across all competitions. Saka has also contributed 10 assists to the Gunners cause, as they sit top of the Premier League table, while also catching the eye for England at the 2022 World Cup.

WHAT THEY SAID: Famous former Arsenal captain Adams told The Sun that Lionel Messi is the only player who he can think of who is a greater player in the world of football right now, who both scores and creates goals. Arsenal are currently in first place because of Bukayo, who is playing brilliantly. Marcus Rashford is having a fantastic season at United, and Erling Haaland may be scoring hundreds of goals for Manchester City. But Bukayo is unquestionably the Footballer of the Year since he led England to the World Cup’s best performance and has been the best player for the squad that is currently eight points clear atop the Premier League.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Arsenal are currently in the process of trying to get Saka tied down on a new contract, with his current deal due to expire in 2024, and Adams is eager to see paperwork put in place there. He added: “When Manchester City paid £100 million to sign Jack Grealish 18 months ago, I couldn’t believe that they didn’t even try to buy Bukayo Saka. Even now I’m gobsmacked that Arsenal have been able to hang on to a kid who is already one of the best talents in the world. Hopefully, they will soon get Bukayo tied down to a lengthy new contract so I can stop worrying. Like me, he’s a London-born Arsenal fan who graduated through the academy and has the club in his blood. But even though the Gunners hierarchy are pretty confident he’s never going to leave them, they should never take that loyalty for granted.”

IN THREE PHOTOS:GettyGettyGetty

WHAT NEXT? Saka has continued to be linked with City in recent windows, but a Premier League title triumph in 2022-23 would be a useful bargaining chip for Arsenal as they seek to get a home-grown star to commit to them on a long-term basis.