Pep Guardiola isnt short of wide forwards at Manchester City with Riyad Mahrez, Jack Grealish and Phil Foden at his disposal, plus Bernardo Silva, Cole Palmer and Julian Alvarez being able to deputise in the role, but he is very keen on signing Bukayo Saka and seems him as a ‘dream’ acquisition.
Saka’s existing deal at Arsenal was up in 2023 so his future was uncertain, but Arsenal triggered a 12-month contract extension earlier in January and are in talks over a long-term deal, so they’re in a strong negotiating position. Saka’s stock has risen considerably this season too, so he wouldn’t come cheap.
The 21-year-old has been in fantastic form at Arsenal, scoring eight goals with seven assists from 26 appearances in all competitions, playing his part in the Gunners being five points clear atop of the Premier League with a game in hand.
Saka has not only scored more league goals (7) than Grealish (2) and Mahrez (4) put together while racking up more assists (7) than every player bar Kevin De Bruyne (11), he’s created more chances (2.3 per game) than every player bar De Buyne, boasts more successful dribbles (1.2) than every player bar Joao Cancelo and Grealish, and has whipped in more accurate crosses (1.2) than every player bar De Bruyne and Foden.
And the England international isn’t just an attacking threat, he’s diligent in his defensive duties, making more tackles (1.2) than Nathan Ake (1.1) and John Stones (0.9), so he’d more than improve the City squad.
Unfortunately for Guardiola, Arsenal have no intention of selling Saka and he’s valued at €110m (£97m) according to CIES Football Observatory, so a deal seems very unlikely. There’s no suggestion the 21-year-old wants to leave the table-toppers for City either, so the ship may have sailed.
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