According to latest reports, Manchester City have escalated their interest in Arsenal youngster Bukayo Saka while Liverpool also seem to be on the lookout for the availability of the Gunners starlet.
The 20-year-old England youngster has blossomed into a potent forward player, managing to hold his own in the Premier League after becoming an integral part of the Arsenal forward line last season. Saka has also earned Gareth Southgate’s trust, racking up 14 international caps so far at his young age and payed back the faith of the England manager with 4 goals.
Therefore, it comes as no surprise that other clubs might come sniffing to secure the services of Bukayo Saka, including Premier League winners Manchester City, as reported by the Daily Mail. City have earmarked the Arsenal professional as a potential future signing and so have league rivals, Liverpool.
The Gunners, however, have the option to extend Saka’s contract to 2024 which can significantly increase the asking price for the youngster and cause a strain on the pockets of the interested clubs. The Citizens have already spent a chunk of money on Erling Haaland, and are predominantly in the market for a central midfielder.
The English winger has had a remarkable 21/22 season, having scored 12 goals and assisted 7 times (stats via Transfermarkt), featuring in a whole host of positions across the field for Mikel Arteta. Essentially a right midfielder, Saka was utilised heavily as a left and right winger along with being deployed as a left midfielder, which makes him a crucial utility player for any club that is enjoying his services.
The 2021/22 season has been the Arsenal no. 7’s most fruitful season so far, genuinely warranting outside interest. Having been at the Emirates since he was 7, Bukayo Saka is a homegrown talent and a player that is very close to the hearts of the supporters of the North London club.
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An average Gunner might expect him to be firm in his decision about the future and stay at the club. The player, however, hasn’t ruled out an exit. According to 90min, the 20-year-old Englishman appears to be in no rush to extend his contract at the Emirates.
After his breakthrough season in 2020, several teams across Europe have kept an eye on the youngster’s development and the lack of an improved deal for his services provides an opportunity for them to get his attention. Despite the rumours, Manchester City officials have dismissed any notion of Bukayo Saka joining their ranks (according to Mirror).
The Gunners fought all season but failed to secure a top-4 spot in the last few games of the Premier League season, slipping down to fifth and giving the spot away to bitter rivals Tottenham. The lack of Champions League football has been seen as a major incentive for players to look for moves away to clubs that have qualified for the top-tier European competition.
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However, the news sources linking the Arsenal youngster to City and Liverpool seem to hold no merit and seem to be a tool to build hype around a transfer that holds no water. Additionally, if the rumours are to be believed, the Citizens are chock full of attacking talent, having recently added Erling Haaland.
Theeir team also feature the £100 Million man Jack Grealish, Riyad Mahrez, wantaway Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva, Arsenal-linked Gabriel Jesus , Kevin De Bruyne, up and coming Cole Palmer, Julian Alvarez and more. A move to the Etihad right now wouldn’t be great for either Arsenal or Saka. Perhaps, a new and improved deal can help Arsenal turn down the volume of these rumours altogether.
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