According to a recent report by The Daily Mail, Manchester United are keeping tabs on Bukayo Saka’s contract situation at Arsenal but will face fierce competition from Liverpool and Bayern Munich in pursuit of the player. The same source has also revealed that the Gunners are hoping to tie the English prospect down to a new deal so that they can fend off interest from other clubs at the end of this campaign.
Saka’s Incredible Rise At The English Capital
Saka has less than 18 months remaining on his current deal at the Emirates Stadium so Mikel Arteta could have no choice but to sell him in the summer if he fails to reach an agreement with the player by then. Otherwise, the Arsenal head coach will risk losing him for free next year which won’t go down well with the club’s supporters.
The London-born talent has been one of the shining lights in what is turning out to be a disappointing campaign for the Gunners. He came through the youth ranks of Arsenal before finally managing to break out as a first-team starter earlier this season.
Saka has scored three goals and provided six assists in 24 matches for the Premier League outfit this term in all competitions. He has proven time and time again that he is a consistent performer down the left flank and has won the hearts of many Arsenal fans through his work ethic and desire to make driving runs as a left-sided winger.
The 18-year-old, who has also represented England at various youth levels, has averaged 2.8 shots, 3.0 key passes and 2.3 dribbles per game in the UEFA Europa League. However, those numbers take a significant dip when he laces up in the Premier League as he has only averaged 0.3 shots, 0.5 key passes and 1.1 dribbles in every 90 minutes of league football this season (stats via whoscored).
Should Man United Move In For Bukayo Saka This Summer?
His struggles in the English top-flight could be the result of Mikel Arteta’s preference to deploy him as a left-back in recent matches which has disrupted the offensive side of his game. Frequent injuries to Kieran Tierney and Sead Kolasinac have forced Arteta to play him in the left-back position. Even then, the fact that he is versatile enough to make an impact at both ends of the pitch will only encourage a top club like Man United to go all out in pursuit of his services.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has often seen Luke Shaw miss out on a lot of matches due to injury and doesn’t have too many natural wingers in his squad as well. Hence, the Norwegian manager should consider orchestrating a move to acquire a player of Saka’s potential as he will add more competition for Brandon Williams down the left flank. The English prospect’s presence will also free up space for Marcus Rashford and Daniel James so that they can be used in more advanced positions up top.
