Manchester City showed Genuine Interest in bringing Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka to the Etihad.
Reports suggest that Premier League giants Manchester City have shown interest in Arsenal’s rising star, Bukayo Saka. According to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs, Guardiola’s team had “genuine interest” in the 21-year-old winger.
However, despite Manchester City’s interest, TEAMtalk reports that Saka is set to sign a new contract with Arsenal, committing his long-term future to the club. It appears that even the defending champions were skeptical about their chances of bringing the highly-talented winger to the Etihad Stadium during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Jacobs said: “There was genuine interest from Manchester City. But even Manchester City felt like it was a case of playing the long game.
Jacobs further adds that Saka’s current negotiations with Arsenal may include player-led clauses that would allow the young winger to secure his future with the Gunners while retaining some flexibility. In the long run, if Arsenal’s project changes and they fail to qualify for Champions League football, Saka may have the opportunity to leave the club, presenting potential suitors with a chance to acquire his services.
“And then in the long term, can the player get something that says: Well, if the project changes, for example, no Champions League football, you have the opportunity to leave at which point suitors realise that they might stand a chance in the long term but not in the short term.”
The 21-year-old English attacker has won the Player of the month award for March.
Saka, who has come through the Arsenal academy, is highly regarded by Mikel Arteta’s side and is expected to be an integral part of the team’s future. As such, it is highly unlikely that Arsenal will entertain any offers for the talented youngster anytime soon.