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“I love both Liverpool and Manchester City but I’ll play for..” – Watch Bukayo Saka reveals club he would like to join in the summer
“I love both Liverpool and Manchester City but I’ll play for..” – Watch Bukayo Saka reveals club he would like to join in the summer
Bukayo Saka is leaving his options open, with Manchester City and Liverpool being linked with a move for the developing star.
The contract of the Arsenal winger expires in 2024, and the club wants to sign him to a long-term contract. According to the Daily Mail, talks with Saka’s representation are underway, but the player appears hesitant to commit his future to the Gunners unless a release option can be incorporated in his new contract.
Saka is happy in North London, but he wants to play in the Champions League, and a release clause in his contract would allow him to do so if Arsenal were unable to achieve so soon.
The Gunners, like most English teams, do not generally include release clauses in their players’ contracts to ensure they only sell when they are in a strong position, but Saka could force their hand.
Saka’s uncertain future has apparently piqued the interest of Manchester City and Liverpool. Pep Guardiola’s side, on the other hand, have denied reports that they are likely to sign the 20-year-old this summer.
City insiders told Mirror Football that there is “nothing in the rumours” linking them with Saka in the coming window, but that doesn’t rule out a summer bid if he enters the final year of his contract.
Theo Walcott, a former Arsenal star, has warned Saka that joining City at this juncture in his career could hinder his development since he would not be given regular playing time.
“Well, there is obviously a transitional stage at Arsenal, that Mikel is part of, and Saka is massively part of it as well,” Walcott told talkSPORT. “The younger crop of players at Arsenal coming through, I feel as though the club need to keep hold of him, simple as that.
“Obviously, when Manchester City comes knocking on the door, it is such a hard thing for any player really to turn down. He is very young, but I feel that he likes the area of London in Arsenal, the fans have been fantastic, and at the Emirates, which is one of the best stadiums I have ever played in.
“He has great support, and I will be intrigued. My heart says he will be at Arsenal next season, and we will see after that. He needs to understand that the playing opportunities will be limited at Manchester City. He will, of course, be more likely to win things, but it is not saying Arsenal won’t win things.
“I think they are in that phase, they are slowly starting to get there. They would have taken fifth at the start of the season, given how it went. I am hopeful he will be at Arsenal next season, I am pretty sure of that.”
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