Arsenal are set to face a big issue in keeping Bukayo Saka as Premier League champions Manchester City have officially begun the process of preparing a bid for the England forward.
The 20-year-old emerged as England’s brightest talent only a year after Man City youngster Phil Foden did and Arsenal have since faced the prospect of losing him to other clubs who have the capacity to compete for titles.
That time looks to have finally come as Man City have joined Liverpool in the ring to battle it out for the youngster’s signature. Saka’s contract runs out in 2023 and Arsenal are in discussions with the player’s representatives over a new deal to keep him at the Emirates, taking advantage of the clause in his current deal which allows them to extend his stay for one more year.
Saka himself has also pledged loyalty to Arsenal which has given the Gunners some hope in their bid to keep him at the club. However, it is understood now that the club’s failure to qualify for the UEFA Champions League could shake the stable ground Arsenal thought they were standing on as regards the England international.
A deal for Saka could prove too costly for both Liverpool and Man City, however, as both clubs have made some major signings already. The Reds want the 20-year-old as they prepare to lose Sadio Mane while City are looking for replacements for both Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling who could leave the Etihad this summer.
City are also understood to be willing to play the long game as Arsenal’s lack of Champions League football could see Saka’s transfer value drop which would then give them increased impetus to push for his signing.
Big possibility for Saka to Liverpool – former Red Jose Enrique
Meanwhile, former Liverpool man Jose Enrique believes that his old club have a big chance of signing Saka in the upcoming window.
Enrique was talking about his side’s chances of dethroning Man City next season and how new signings would help the club. “We definitely need a back-up for Trent Alexander-Arnold,” Enrique said.
“Trent will start so we need a younger player to put Trent on his toes. Max Aarons from Norwich would be a good player to have. He’s not the quality of Trent but he’s a bit like Tsimikas with a similar style.
“We need a starting number eight. Thiago Alcantara is brilliant but he has injuries every season. Keita has the same injury problems. Henderson is getting older so we need a number eight for sure.
“I don’t know too much about the Monaco midfielder, Aurelien Tchouameni, but you look at Luis Diaz and the recruitment usually gets it right.
“We also need a right winger and I think Jarrod Bowen or Bukayo Saka could be a great shout as they’re both not playing in the Champions League, so it’s a big possibility.”
