Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that reported Liverpool target Bukayo Saka won’t change clubs this summer, as he loves Arsenal so much.
Romano told Rio Ferdinand presents FIVE (18mins 50secs) on YouTube that Saka ‘isn’t planning’ on leaving the Emirates Stadium, despite the links to The Reds.
“They (Arsenal) are working on Bukayo Saka’s future because this boy is really special,” said Romano when asked to give an update on the Gunners forward.
“It’s always Liverpool rumours, this is what I was asking yesterday and the answer I received was that Bukayo loves Arsenal, he loves the club. He’s a really good guy, genuine guy and he is not planning to leave in the summer.”
On the face of it, that sounds like it could be a big blow to Liverpool’s hopes of signing the 20-year-old.
But the fact is that Saka is out of contract in 2023. Signing a new deal at his current club has previously been reported to hinge on whether Mikel Arteta’s side can secure Champions League football (Daily Mail).
They are looking relatively good for that at the moment. But there’s still a portion of the season to go, and given that there are three or four clubs fighting over just one spot, there’s every chance they could miss out.
If it could aid them in their hunt for Saka, Liverpool will hope that they do.
Time to pursue other options
The rumours about Saka signing for Liverpool have been circulating for some time.
Despite that, it has never really felt that a move that could realistically happen. Saka is seemingly Arsenal through and through.
Liverpool don’t have any direct rivalry with the North Londoners. But it would still likely be seen as a betrayal to the fans of the club he grew up supporting.
The Reds signed Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from Arsenal in 2017. Aside from that, moves between the two clubs are rare.
As a result of Arsenal trying to get back to the status Liverpool currently hold, it’s unlikely that the transfer would be straight forward.
England international Saka was labelled ‘brilliant’ by former Liverpool player Micahel Thomas during Euro 2020 via Caughtoffside. There’s no doubt that there’s a proper player in there.
At just 20 he has a wealth of experience and will only get better under a manager like Jurgen Klopp.
But given the complicated nature of the deal, there may be better options for Liverpool to pursue.
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