Arsenal could be at risk of losing Bukayo Saka to Liverpool if Mikel Arteta’s side miss out on Champions League football once again, former England international Trevor Sinclair tells talkSPORT (22 February, 9.50am).
Ever since he exploded onto the scene during a 3-0 Europa League victory at Eintracht Frankfurt in late-2019, a baby-faced teenager wreaking havoc with number ‘77’ on his back, Saka has carried this Premier League powerhouse on his shoulders.
Yes, Gabriel Martinelli, Emile Smith Rowe and Martin Odegaard have had their moments. But it’s Saka’s remarkable consistency that sets him aside from everyone else in Arteta’s squad.
Whether he’s creating chances or taking them, dancing a merry jig around dizzied full-backs or helping out in defence, the London-born Hale End graduate is usually in the running for the Man of the Match award whenever Arsenal take to the pitch.
“The thing that’s impressed me the most is how mature he is,” says Sinclair. “How much responsibility he takes. He looks like a mature, seasoned pro.
“To have that at such a young age, and have goals and assists… he does deserve to be in the Champions League.
“If Arsenal miss out on that, he’s got a real, serious decision to make. Arsenal have got to play their part. (Saka’s) ambition has got to be matched by the football club.”
Could Bukayo Saka really leave Liverpool?
Contract talks with Saka rumbled on longer than anyone would have liked two years ago, at a time when Liverpool were credited with an interest.
With Jurgen Klopp’s side yet to tie down their own talismanic winger, Sinclair wonders if Saka could be tasked with replacing the irreplaceable at Anfield.
“If (Arsenal) don’t make the top four, I think there’s every chance he could leave,” Sinclair adds. “He’s not signed a new contract and there will be big clubs, like Liverpool, interested.
“We know Mo Salah hasn’t signed his contract. If you’re gonna get someone like Saka in, that’s a safe pair of boots.”
Salah’s replacement?
Darren Bent, a former Tottenham striker but a boyhood Arsenal fan, hopes to see Saka commit his long-term future to the capital city club.
And even if Salah does leave Liverpool, it’s not as if Jurgen Klopp is suffering from a dearth of alternative options in the attacking department.
“Saka’s been incredible. I’d like to see him stay,” Bent says.
“It’s important to keep your younger, better players but you have to keep progressing. Keep finishing in that top four.
“The strength of depth (Liverpool) have got already… Luis Diaz looks incredible. (Sadio) Mane is still there, Salah, (Diogo) Jota. They’ve got Harvey Elliot, Kaide Gordon.
“Will Liverpool be the right fit for him? I’m not sure.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
