Why Arsenal risk losing Bukayo Saka to Man City or Liverpool
Karan Tejwani
- 7 Jun 2022 10:55 BST
- 3 min read
Arsenal ended their season by returning to European competition having qualified for the Europa League, but they could face a challenge in keeping their brightest talent, Bukayo Saka.
There is interest in Saka from Arsenal’s Premier League rivals, and it may prove to be a difficult task convincing Saka to stay, as the country’s top clubs are keeping an eye on the player.
Manchester City have been monitoring Saka’s development at Arsenal, as he enters the final two years of his contract at the Emirates Stadium, in the hope of making a move.
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Apart from them, City’s biggest title rivals Liverpool are also keeping tabs on Saka’s growth, hoping to make a move for the player in the coming years.
Will Arsenal be able to hold on to Bukayo Saka?
Arsenal are hoping to convince Saka into signing a new, long-term contract, and while him leaving isn’t an immediate danger, it could become one if they don’t progress from here.
Saka’s current deal runs until 2024, but there is an option to extend it for a further year, should Arsenal choose to activate the clause.
The 20-year-old is Arsenal’s brightest talent, and the Gunners will be keen on building their future around him, however, they will need Champions League football.
The 2021-22 season ended in disappointing fashion – at one point, Mikel Arteta’s team were in a good position to secure Champions League football, but an implosion in the final weeks saw them pipped to it by Tottenham.
The Star-Boy strikes again 🤩
Wonderful, quick passing move from Arsenal, lead by Saka and finished by Saka 👏
Lovely goal 🌶️🔥 pic.twitter.com/sn35n6T16v— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) November 27, 2021
At Manchester City or Liverpool, he will be having different expectations – the two have had no troubles earning Champions League football, and are constantly pushing each other to the limit in the Premier League.
City’s focus at the minute isn’t securing Saka – they’ve been working on improving their forward line and have already signed Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund and River Plate’s Julian Alvarez.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have been focused on midfield and securing a more experienced replacement for Sadio Mane, who is expected to leave, although, Saka may be a consideration in the future.
For now, Arsenal are likely to hold on to their star man but will have to improve if they want to keep him in the long run as interest from others may be hard to resist.
