News emerged today that Liverpool and Manchester City are monitoring Arsenal star Bukayo Saka, and will make a shock summer move for the youngster should Arsenal finish outside of the coveted top-four Premier League places.
According to ESPN, Arsenal are eager to tie down the 20-year-old to a contract that matches his potential and are willing to do anything to fend off the interest shown by Jurgen Klopp’s team.
Saka himself has been enjoying a great season so far under Spanish boss Mikel Arteta, scoring six goals and assisting four times in his Premier League outings.
These stats are made even more impressive considering that Saka has been playing in the unfamiliar wing-back role covering for the injury-prone Kieran Tierney.
👀| BREAKING NEWS: Liverpool are monitoring Saka. The Reds could make a move for the Arsenal star, if Arsenal fail to qualify for the Champions League.
— The Anfield Buzz (@TheAnfieldBuzz) February 3, 2022
[ESPN] pic.twitter.com/NXqDPXycTC
Arsenal currently sit sixth in the Premier League table and are in a fourth-place fight with Manchester United, West Ham, and North London rivals Tottenham; meaning the Champions League is far from a forgone conclusion. This could end up being the decisive pulling factor to lure him away from the Emirates.
Undoubtedly, Saka is a generational talent and would be a real coup for Liverpool if they were able to sort out a deal in the summer transfer window.
Additionally, it would send a warning to the Reds’ rivals of their current pulling power in the transfer market.
However, Arsenal still remains in the power seat with this one, Saka is a showcase prized asset from their academy system, and the 20-year-old still has plenty of years ahead of him to win trophies and succeed with the North London club.
Nevertheless, the chance to join an exciting and youthful title-winning setup managed by Jurgen Klopp may prove hard to ignore.