Meanwhile, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed when Arsenal will enter into contract negotiations with Bukayo Saka amidst links between the winger and Liverpool and Man City. A move this summer seems unlikely, but given Arsenal’s lack of Champions League football, the appearance of Man City and Liverpool as potential suitors would provide Bukayo Saka with fodder to consider ahead of any possible contract negotiations. Indeed, it is not surprising to see the England international mentioned already as a potential Manchester City and Liverpool target as Saka is good enough to play for either of those sides around the world.
That is why Arsenal are prepared to offer Bukayo Saka a much-improved contract this summer, a deal which will put him in line for terms with some of the club’s highest earners, despite his tweener years. At only 20, there is still plenty of time for him to collect silverware and make a run in the Champions League, and that is something Arsenal will stress when negotiations for a new deal move forward this summer. With only two years remaining on his Bukayo Saka contract, the move is an intimidating prospect and one which could quickly turn into reality if negotiations this summer fail to progress the way Arsenal would like.
While the Gunners prioritise pursuing a new contract for Bukayo Saka, clubs are starting to circle, with Liverpool also said to have interest in a potential move. It remains to be seen if Arsenal will be able to convince the winger to stay amidst interest from Manchester City and Liverpool. Arsenal would certainly like to offer the winger a new contract with better terms right now, but failing to qualify for the Champions League has affected Arsenal’s finances, with Mikel Arteta also eyeing a striker or two this summer.
According to reports, several clubs are interested in Raphael Leao, including Manchester City. The Brazilian appears to have become surplus to requirements at Man City due to the purchase of Erling Haaland, with reports suggesting that he would like to join one of Liverpool’s biggest rivals. As things stand, Raphael Leao looks like the likeliest man to leave Manchester City. According to The Manchester Evening News, his representatives held talks with Arsenal sporting director Edouard over a potential move to the London club in recent weeks. Elsewhere, Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount is the other prominent name linked to Manchester City. Agents making good use of the Premier League champions stated intentions of adding two more names to the squad to accelerate a new deal.
