Manchester City are reportedly looking to get ahead of Liverpool in the pursuit of Arsenal star Bukayo Saka, who has only two years left on his current deal.
According to the Daily Mail, Manchester City are set to ramp up their pursuit of Bukayo Saka, as Pep Guardiola wants to set things in place to sign the Arsenal forward. However, the Premier League champions are not expected to sign the winger this summer, with a move in 2023 possible.
Bukayo Saka has been one of the most improved players in the Premier League. The winger has seen his stature rise exponentially in the last two seasons, with the 2021/22 campaign proving to be his best thus far. After missing the decisive penalty in the UEFA Euro 2020 Final, the Arsenal attacker came through a difficult summer and has shown the mental resilience associated with superstar names.
Saka was undoubtedly Arsenal’s best player this past season, and the winger seems to be developing into one of the top Premier League stars under Mikel Arteta. However, his future is not yet fully secure, and the Gunners will look to address the issue in the close season.
Arsenal only managed to sign Saka to a four-year deal in 2020, meaning the winger will have two years left after June. The duration certainly puts his future at the Emirates at risk, although the Gunners remain confident of renewing terms in the coming time.
While Arsenal have seemed relaxed about Saka’s situation, Manchester City and Liverpool lurk in the background, waiting to pounce at the first available opportunity. The Gunners’ academy graduate reportedly wants to stay at the Emirates for the foreseeable future, but much could change if there are disagreements during talks over an extension.
Manchester City have been interested in the Arsenal winger for some time now. Pep Guardiola is an admirer and likely views Saka as a long-term replacement for Raheem Sterling. The English international is linked with several clubs, including Arsenal, and could leave this sumer
Manchester City are also wary of Liverpool’s interest in Saka, as Jurgen Klopp is an equally fierce admirer of the Arsenal winger. The Premier League champions are aware of the possible disbanding of the Reds’ front three. Therefore, Liverpool will target Saka or Gabriel Martinelli to replace one of their current attackers.
Hence Manchester City want to lay the groundwork early and sound out Saka over a future move. They are not expected to sign the Arsenal winger this summer, but in 2023, a move could be on the cards. However, much will depend upon Arsenal’s reported plans to extend Saka’s contract, and they could make the English international their best-paid player.
Also Read: Three potential Sadio Mane replacements for Liverpool
The Gunners will hope Saka commits to a new contract and continues playing at the Emirates for years to come. The Arsenal board is confident of this and Arteta’s ability to build a squad capable of challenging and winning top honours in the next few years, but Liverpool and Manchester City will aim to turn his head.
