Manchester City were recently linked with a move for Buyako Saka and Dean Jones told Give Me Sport days ago that the defending champions are ‘keeping a close eye’ on the Arsenal midfielder, but it’s unlikely a deal will get over the line for myriad reasons.
Jones said of the rumours: “I’m told Man City are keeping a close eye on this situation and think he would be a great fit for them – but they’ll only move if he shows any doubts over his Arsenal situation.” So with Saka in talks over a new deal at the Emirates, City know they’re barking up the wrong tree.
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The 21-year-old would improve City’s squad as he’d be joint-second for assists (4), second for chances created (2.4 per game on average), third for successful dribbles (1.6) and third for accurate crosses (1.4).
Saka would cost a tidy penny as a young homegrown talent, however, with CIES Football Observatory valuing him at €97.6m (£85.8m), so City may be put off making a move.
The England international’s best position is Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez’s role on the right flank too, so Guardiola doesn’t need added competition.
Saka was born in London, hasn’t shown any desire to leave his boyhood club and could soon extend his contract beyond 2024, so he’s not exactly issuing a ‘come and get me’ plea to suitors.
Arsenal are top of the Premier League table with Mikel Arteta earning the plaudits for turning the club around, so there’s plenty of reason to stay.
In other news, Man City nearly lost buyback option on Romeo Lavia after Chelsea’s £50m bid
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