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Written by Martin Graham | 8 June 2022
Arsenal are preparing to face a major problem in keeping Bukayo Saka, as Manchester City, the English Premier League champions, have officially started the process of preparing for the England striker’s offer.
The 20-year-old emerged as England’s top talent just a year after facing Manchester City’s youngster Phil Foden, and Arsenal have since faced the prospect of losing to other clubs with the ability to contend for titles.
It looks like that time has finally come as Man City join Liverpool in the ring to battle the youngster’s signature. Saka’s contract expires in 2023 and Arsenal are in discussions with the player’s representatives over a new deal to keep him in the Emirates, taking advantage of the clause in his current deal that allows them to extend his stay for another year.
Saka himself also pledged allegiance to Arsenal which gave Arsenal some hope in their attempt to keep him at the club. However, it is now understood that the club’s failure to qualify for the UEFA Champions League could shake the stable ground that Arsenal thought they were standing on in relation to the England international.
The Saka deal could prove very costly for both Liverpool and Man City, 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 look for replacements for both Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling, who could leave the FA this summer.
It is also understood that City are ready to play the long game as Arsenal’s lack of Champions League football could lead to a drop in the value of Saka’s transfer which will give them a growing push to press for his signature.
A big possibility for Saka for Liverpool – former Red Jose Enrique
Meanwhile, former Liverpool player Jose Enrique believes his old club have a high chance of signing Saka in the next window.
Enrique has been talking about his team’s chances of ousting Manchester City next season and how new signings will help the club. “We definitely need support for Trent Alexander-Arnold,” Enrique said.
“Trent is going to start so we need a younger player to put Trent on his toes. Max Aarons from Norwich would be a good player. He’s not as good as Trent but he’s a bit like Tsimikas in a similar style.
“We need a starting number eight. Thiago Alcantara is great but he struggles with 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 much about Monaco midfielder, Aurelien Chuamini, but you look at Luis Diaz and the recruitment is usually right.
“We also need a right winger and I think Jarrod Bowen or Bukayo Saka could be a great shout because they don’t play in the Champions League, so it’s a big possibility.”
