Manchester City sources have played down speculation linking Bukayo Saka with a potential move to the Etihad this summer, as his contract with Arsenal ticks into its final 2 years.
Reports suggested that the Cityzens were ‘ramping up their interest’ in the 20-year-old amid ongoing contract negotiations with the north London side, with the Daily Mail claiming that ‘though any move this summer is currently considered unlikely, City have begun showing increased interest in Saka at a critical point in Arsenal’s attempts to tie him down to a long-term contract.’
Bukayo Saka has recovered from a disappointing summer to become Arsenal’s focal point (Photo by Andrew Boyers – Pool/Getty Images)
However, as per the Manchester Evening News, this speculation is wide of the mark.
As per their information, ‘sources at the Etihad have indicated that – contrary to reports – the forward is not in their plans for this or subsequent transfer windows’.
This will come as a relief to Arsenal fans, who will be fearing for the future of their starboy until he pens a new deal in north London.
Leno a target for Hertha BSC
One man who does look likely to leave the Emirates this summer, however, is no.2 shot-stopper Bernd Leno, with Matt Turner already having arrived from the MLS as his replacement.
Arsenal are unlikely to get anything like the £25m that they shelled out for the German in 2019, and reports claim that the Gunners are demanding around £8.5m to let the goalkeeper depart. With one year left on his contract, and Leno desperate to see regular game-time to stake claim for Germany’s World Cup squad, even this may prove too much.
However, a return to Germany could be on the cards, with Hertha Berlin the latest side to show interest in the 30-year-old according to German outlet Bild.
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