Manchester City have now stepped up their interest in Arsenal attacker Bukayo Saka, according to reports.
The 20-year-old ended the 2021-22 campaign as the Gunners’ top scorer in all competitions with 12 goals, 11 of which came in 38 Premier League games.
Saka also set up seven goals in the English top flight during another impressive season with his boyhood club, who fell short in their attempts to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
Saka remains under contract at the Emirates until the summer of 2024, and Mikel Arteta’s side are expected to enter discussions over a new contract with the England star soon.
But, there are fears that Saka could decide to end his time in North London should the club repeatedly fail in their bid to return to Europe’s top competition in the coming years.
Saka could ask for a release clause to be inserted in any new contract he signs with the Gunners, and Liverpool have been linked with a move for the player.
Man City have also been alerted to Saka’s situation, according to the Daily Mail, who claim that Pep Guardiola’s side are monitoring future developments.
The report adds that City are not expected to pursue a move for the Englishman in the upcoming transfer window, but optimism has grown over a future transfer after Arsenal’s fifth-placed finish in the top flight.
Saka has now played 131 senior games for Arsenal since coming through their Hale End academy, scoring 23 goals and setting up 29 more in the process.
The former Watford star has won the FA Cup and Community Shield during his time in London, and he earned his 15th England cap off the bench in Saturday’s Nations League defeat to Hungary.
Man City have already improved their frontline with the signings of Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland, but they are still being tipped to lose Gabriel Jesus in the upcoming window.
Arsenal are reported to be leading the race for the 25-year-old, who could still cost in excess of £40m and has reportedly also been offered to Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
