Garth Crooks has suggested that reported Liverpool target Bukayo Saka should leave Arsenal if they fail to qualify for the Champions League. The Reds have previously been linked with a move for Saka (ESPN).
Crooks was writing in his “Team of the Week” column for BBC Sport. The pundit claimed that if The Gunners do finish in the top four, they would have the 20-year-old to thank.
“The reason the Gunners are still flirting with a top-four place is due largely to the brilliance of Bukayo Saka,” said Crooks.
“The England international has grown tremendously since he played in the European championships and seems to glide through games these days.”
Crooks then pricked the ears of Liverpool fans as he called on Saka to potentially seek Champions League football elsewhere.
“If Arsenal can’t provide Champions League football for the youngster then I suggest he finds it somewhere else. Talent like this shouldn’t hang around,” he said.
Liverpool have been reportedly monitoring Saka’s contract situation. With his current deal expiring in 2024, it is claimed that he wants assurances of playing in the Champions League if he is to sign a new one (Daily Mail).
Getting better and better
Saka may not be the most glamorous attacking option linked to The Reds. But his is a situation worth following.
He scored a lovely goal this weekend as Arsenal beat Watford 3-2. That was his eighth Premier League goal of the season.
The England international also laid on an assist for Martin Odegaard, his fifth of the campaign.
That equalled his best ever tally for assists in the league. His eight goals are comfortably higher than last season’s tally of five, with 13 games still to go.
Saka looks like being an important player for England for years to come. Without the uncertainty surrounding his contract situation, his price would likely be unattainable for The Reds.
If the door is slightly ajar for another club to swoop in, Liverpool should make sure they are at the front of the queue.
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