Transfer News: Arsenal begin talks with Liverpool target Bukayo Saka over a new contract

According to The Athletic [Subscription Required] (h/t Football.London), Arsenal have started preliminary talks with Liverpool target Bukayo Saka over a new contract ahead of the summer transfer window. He has been terrific for the Gunners this season and has arguably been his side’s best player throughout this campaign.

Saka has a contract at The Emirates Stadium until 2023, but the Gunners have the option to extend it by another year. Despite that, they are eager to renew his current deal and protect their long term interests as they look to build a strong project under Mikel Arteta.

The Reds have been linked with a move for the Englishman, but an extension would put an end to their interests. A formal meeting is claimed to follow suit soon enough where an offer will be presented by the north Londoners. The size of the new financial package and qualification for the Champions League are some of the likely factors that could influence his decision.

Can Liverpool sign Saka?

Our chances of signing the 20-year-old would probably depend upon the outcome of his contract negotiations with Arsenal. And even then, the one-year extension clause in the winger’s current deal does complicate things for us. Not to mention, we are also playing a waiting game and cannot impose our influence to make our case.

That being said, a move to Anfield is really difficult to see go through, considering how the Premier League ace is one of the highly-rated young individuals that Arteta is using to build a dynasty. Moreover, the forward has not shown any indications that he is unhappy at this moment, making things complicated even further.

However, if there is an outside chance to secure the Gunners star’s services, we should look to do just that. After all, he is one of the future superstars in the making while already being the best in his position at this stage.

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The prospect of replacing Mohamed Salah is concerning to think about, looking at how good he has been for us. That being said, Saka certainly has the potential to do so, and he can reach newer heights under Jurgen Klopp, considering our boss has improved quite a lot of players under his helm, even Salah.

But, it would be wise on our part not to waste too much time and effort and look elsewhere for an addition. After all, Arteta’s side are on the rise and are arguably the favourites for fourth place in the Premier League. They would not want to lose one of their top talents to their rivals and would probably do their best to keep hold of someone like Saka.