Journalist Ben Bocsak has suggested that Liverpool could do well to sign Arsenal star Bukayo Saka to replace the likes of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah in the long term.
The 20-year-old has developed into a pivotal first-teamer under Mikel Arteta. He is under contract until 2024 after signing a long-term deal in July 2020.
But Arsenal are desperately keen to tie Saka down to a longer deal, with the winger being with the club since the age of eight.
ESPN claimed in February that Liverpool and Man City were watching Saka, while Goal’s Liverpool journalist Neil Jones also confirmed the Reds’ interest in the player.
As a result of such interest, the Gunners are intending to start talks for a new deal.
However, Bocsak, speaking on the Liverpool.com podcast, has claimed that the Hale End academy product will be considering his future in the coming months, especially after Arsenal failed to qualify for the Champions League on the final day of the Premier League campaign.
He also stated that the Reds could possess the pulling power to bring the wonderkid to Merseyside.
He said: “I think Saka will think about his future in the coming weeks and months, potentially – and definitely in the coming year. And if Liverpool have the funds and the means to bring him to the club, with the potential sale of Mane, then I think it’s a no-brainer.”
TIF Thoughts on Bocsak’s comments…
In 42 club appearances in the most recent campaign, the £58.5m-rated wizard registered 12 goals and six assists, becoming the club’s top goalscorer.
The Ealing-born star, who was called ‘unbelievable’ and dubbed as a replacement for Salah by Kevin Phillips, has made no secret of his desire and longing for Europe’s most prestigious competition.
“I think the Champions League creates so many special nights. And it’s a dream for me still to experience one of them and hopefully many more of them,” Saka told Sky Sports in February.
Certainly, if Arsenal fail to match his ambitions next season, then he could well accept the chance to become Salah’s replacement at Anfield. At just 20 years of age, Jurgen Klopp could yet turn the player into a world-beater just like he’s done with Mane and Salah.