Arsenal’s dream of returning to the UEFA Champions League are all but over, and if the latest reports on Bukayo Saka’s contract are true, missing out on top four could have dire consequences.
According to reports, the England international is eager to play Champions League football, and Arsenal’s latest collapse could mean that Saka refuses to sign a new contract with the Gunners, a decision which could cause havoc for the club.
As a homegrown talent and one of the Premier League’s best players this season, Arsenal’s latest bottle job could do more harm below the surface than just missing out on Champions League football if Saka now refuses to sign a new contract.
Indeed, any move for the 20-year-old will likely result in some strong pushback from Arsenal, yet here are five clubs who could target Saka in the coming months if the winger rejects a new contract from the Gunners.
Bayern Munich
Germany has established itself in recent years as an ideal destination for English players, with Jadon Sancho flourishing in the division before returning to the Premier League with Manchester United, and Saka could experience a similar success story with Bayern Munich.
The Bavarian giants have the pedigree and finances to make any potential deal for Saka possible, and their regular competitiveness in the Champions League makes them an alluring prospect for the Arsenal attacker.
Liverpool
Before Saka signed his current deal with Arsenal, Liverpool were reportedly interested in signing the Hale End superstar, with Jurgen Klopp’s side making it an aim to scoop up some of England’s most exciting talents.
With the success of Harvey Elliott in the Liverpool squad and Saka’s versatility, the Three Lions star would no doubt be a regular for Liverpool if the Reds decide to splash the cash on the 20-year-old attacker in the coming months.
Manchester City
As well as Liverpool, Manchester City were believed to be keen on Saka before the attacker penned his new contract with Arsenal, and it seems almost certain that Pep Guardiola’s side will target the England youngster if an exit from the Emirates was to ever be mooted.
Even with City’s stacked squad, Saka could find himself playing regular football for the Manchester giants given his quality and ability to play in multiple positions, with the Premier League side also able to offer Arsenal whatever fee they want for the winger.
PSG
As with City, PSG are in a league of their own when it comes to having the spending power to buy whoever they like, and this could be dangerous for Arsenal and Saka, especially if the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar leave the French giants.
Whilst the Ligue 1 side are yet to really delve into the Premier League or English transfer market, Saka would be seen as a marquee signing for PSG, and Arsenal could be helpless in seeing their star forward leave for the European titans.
Real Madrid
You can’t really talk about a superstar player leaving a top Premier League club without mentioning Real Madrid, and given the club’s recent shift to signing younger players, Saka fits the bill for what Los Blancos need.
With Mbappe set to spearhead the attack according to reports, Saka could take the right-wing position with the futures of Marco Asensio and Eden Hazard up in the hair, with Rodrygo not ready just yet to start regularly for Madrid.
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