Is Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta preparing for Bukayo Saka to Liverpool?
The Daily Mail have reported that Liverpool are interested in Bukayo Saka as he enters the last year of his contract. As much as the Gunners would hate to see a talented youngster go, are they already scouting for his replacement?
Saka was converted into a flying left-back, in the mould of Andy Robertson, after injuries meant Sead Kolasinac and Kieran Tierney were forced out of the side and he responded phenomenally.
He already has nine assists to his name and looks set to have a good future in the Premier League going forward. Liverpool need a back-up to Robertson. Could the two meet in the middle?
Well, maybe. According to reports, Arsenal want to sign Ajax star Nicolas Tagliafico. But in order to do so, they might need to make room in their squad.
Or they might already be aware of an impending departure.
If Saka was leaving, recruiting Tagliafico would be an easier sell. He’d no longer have to compete with as many players in order to get into the first team, and he looks like he’d fit the bill as an excellent, modern, full-back.
Saka would fit the profile we’ve seen Reds’ sporting director Michael Edwards scout for. They like to look for players who have already shown glimpses of their talent, but who aren’t the finish product just yet.
Jurgen Klopp then works with them until they reach world-class status. Who knows what Saka’s ceiling may be, but if anyone can get the best out of him it’ll be the German.
His arrival would also end the conversation and debate about what happens if Robertson needs to be rested or goes down with an injury. The security of having a recognised left-back in the squad would be very welcome.
If Arteta signed Tagliafico, it might help lessen the impact of losing Saka, although nobody likes to see their best youngsters move to rivals in the same league.