In a recent report from Manchester Evening News, it was mentioned that Manchester City have been heavily linked to a move for Bukayo Saka of Arsenal over the past few days. However, the Sky Blues might have suffered a setback as the English forward looks to extend his contract with the Gunners after his impressive run with England in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Saka’s Impressive Numbers For Arsenal So Far This Season
Saka is enjoying a brilliant campaign at Emirates Stadium as he has produced some stellar performances on the right side of Arsenal’s attack. He has managed to find the back of the net on five occasions and create six assists so far this season across all fronts.
The England international has been consistent in the attacking third after averaging 1.1 tackles, 2.1 shots, 2.1 key passes and 1.4 dribbles per game in the Premier League. He has also been excellent with his ball distribution after completing 83.9% of his attempted passes in the English top-flight (stats via whoscored).
Should Manchester City Boss Pep Guardiola Find Other Alternatives?
Saka has been a reliable performer at Arsenal; he has proven his worth as a prolific winger who can find the back of the net and set up his teammates in front of the goal. His stellar performances in the World Cup make it evident that he has the potential to become one of the best wingers in Europe. The English talent excels at getting out of tight situations and can cause a lot of problems for his marker out in the wide areas.
Saka would have been a brilliant addition to the Sky Blues as he could’ve easily fit into the right-wing position competing with Riyad Mahrez, who is 31 years old. At 21, Saka has shown that he is comfortable playing at a high level and could have replaced Mahrez in the near future guaranteeing himself a starting position at the Etihad Club.
However, should he decide to sign a contract extension with the Gunners, it would derail Man City’s plans of signing him in the upcoming transfer windows. Thus, Pep Guardiola should definitely look at other alternatives for the right-wing position as Mahrez can only perform at this level for a couple more years, so identifying an understudy would help with the process.
