Transfer News: Liverpool, Manchester City closely monitoring Bukayo Saka

Arsenal are reportedly bracing themselves for a raid by Liverpool and Manchester City for Bukayo Saka in the summer.

A recent report from ESPN has offered an interesting update on the future of Bukayo Saka. The Arsenal forward’s current contract at the Emirates expires at the end of next season. The player has been one of the club’s top performers lately, which could make it difficult for the Gunners to keep hold of his services in the summer transfer window.

It appears both Manchester City and Liverpool are closely monitoring the situation of Saka. They are expected to make a move for the Englishman next summer, should Arsenal fail to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.

A product of the club’s own youth academy, Saka’s stock has grown rapidly over the past couple of years. He has already racked up 114 competitive appearances for Arsenal, playing a vital role in helping them win the FA Cup during Mikel Arteta’s first season in charge. The winger has also scored 18 goals while providing 25 assists, which has led to him becoming a crucial member of the England team as well.

Indeed, the 20-year-old has won 14 caps for the Three Lions. He was one of the top performers in his nation’s UEFA Euro 2020 campaign, although the youngster was vilified at the end after missing a crucial penalty in the final against Italy.

Saka’s rapid rise to prominence has not gone unnoticed, with Liverpool prepared to make him the face of the new-look attacking unit that could involve the departure of Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian wizard’s current deal at Anfield expires in 2023, with Liverpool struggling to negotiate a new deal that will keep him at the club for long.

The Reds’ acquisition of Luis Diaz in January was enough to signify a potential change of scenery in the near future, with the club also expected to re-enter the market for Fabio Carvalho in the summer.

Manchester City, meanwhile, are on the hunt for attackers after losing Ferran Torres to Barcelona in the summer. The Citizens have roped in Julian Alvarez from River Plate, but Pep Guardiola would certainly favour a proven Premier League talent like Bukayo Saka, who has what it takes to become a crucial component of the Manchester City frontline.

Arsenal won’t be too lenient when it comes to keeping hold of Saka. However, their ongoing sporting struggles could potentially convince the young English international to take the next step in his career in the upcoming summer transfer window. So it is imperative for Arsenal to end the season on a positive note and secure Champions League football for the first time since the 2016/17 campaign.