Man City ‘step up interest’ in Saka as Liverpool circle amid Arsenal contract struggle

Manchester City have reportedly ‘stepped up their interest’ in Bukayo Saka as Arsenal struggle to tie the England international down to a new contract at the Emirates.

Saka’s current deal includes an option to extend his contract by another year – which the Gunners are expected to activate – keeping him with the club until 2024.

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But one of Mikel Arteta’s priorities this summer was thought to be to offer the 20-year-old a new and improved deal to reflect his performances for Arsenal and his rise to become one of the key players in the side.

The Daily Mail claim ‘initial discussions had taken place towards the end of the season’ as Arsenal were keen to avoid allowing his contract to run into its final two years.

The club were aware of the impact Champions League qualification would have on their summer plans, including that potential new deal for Saka.

And their failure to qualify for Europe’s showcase competition is said to have ‘complicated’ the situation, with City and Liverpool said to be circling.

But the report claims that despite the interest of the elite pair, any deal for Saka would likely prove too costly in the upcoming transfer window.

City have already spent big to bring Erling Haaland to the Etihad, while Liverpool’s focus this summer is believed to be on strengthening central midfield.

But Arsenal’s lack of Champions League football is said to have ‘increased their hopes’ that Saka’s future with Arsenal will remain unresolved beyond this window, which will see his value fall during the remaining two years on his deal.

Former Liverpool full-back Jose Enrique thinks his former club signing Saka is now a “big possibility”.

Asked where Liverpool need to strengthen, Enrique said: “We definitely need a back-up for Trent Alexander-Arnold.

“Trent will start so we need a younger player to put Trent on his toes. Max Aarons from Norwich would be a good player to have. He’s not the quality of Trent but he’s a bit like Tsimikas with a similar style.

“We need a starting number eight. Thiago Alcantara is brilliant but he has injuries every season. Keita has the same injury problems.

“Henderson is getting older so we need a number eight for sure. I don’t know too much about the Monaco midfielder, Aurelien Tchouameni, but you look at Luis Diaz and the recruitment usually gets it right.

“We also need a right winger and I think Jarrod Bowen or Bukayo Saka could be a great shout as they’re both not playing in the Champions League, so it’s a big possibility.”