Arsenal

Arsenal

Premier League • England

Liverpool told Arsenal ‘poster boy’ would be ‘good fit’ despite transfer difficulty

Emile Smith Rowe celebrating with Bukayo Saka, Arsenal

A former Premier League midfielder reckons Arsenal star Bukayo Saka would be a ‘good fit’ for Liverpool, despite the difficulty in completing a deal.

Saka, 20, is an integral part of Mikel Arteta’s young, exciting team at the Emirates. He is forming a deadly attacking partnership with the likes of Alexandre Lacazette, Emile Smith Rowe, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard.

Saka’s most recent outing came in the 5-0 thrashing of Norwich at Carrow Road. He got two goals as Arsenal made it four consecutive Premier League victories.

The winger is a favourite among supporters, given his rise from academy graduate to first-team star. As such, he penned a new long-term contract last summer.

However, one journalist reckons Liverpool could look to sign the England international. Ian McGarry of The Transfer Window podcast claims Saka is on Liverpool’s shortlist.

The Reds will need attacking reinforcements over the next few seasons as Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino reach, or even surpass, their peaks.

Former Man Utd player Luke Chadwick says Saka would impress at the other ‘Big Six’ clubs. However, he also cast doubt on a potential transfer.

Arsenal ‘building around Saka’ – Chadwick

“Saka’s an incredible young player and I think he’d be a good fit for any of the top teams,” Chadwick told CaughtOffside. “He’s got fantastic work ethic, great technique, lovely skill and he’s really athletic.

“I can’t see it (the move to Liverpool) happening, personally. I think Arsenal are building a team around Saka and other young players coming through. It’d be very surprising if he moved to another Premier League club in the next few years.

Liverpool shortlist Bukayo Saka as a summer target

Liverpool shortlist Bukayo Saka as a summer target

Reports suggest Arsenal and England forward Bukayo Saka would be willing to move to Liverpool, if the chance arose.

“They’re trying to build something and with this team now, a few more players and they could really do something. Saka is sort of the poster boy for Arsenal – he’s now a shining light in their team.”

Saka has made 109 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions, scoring 17 goals. He has won the FA Cup and Community Shield so far in his career.

Contact made as Arsenal pursue Juventus man

Meanwhile, reports claim Arsenal could repeat the success they’ve had with Martin Odegaard by bringing another classy midfielder to the Emirates this winter.

Sport Witness, citing reports in Italy, state Juventus playmaker Arthur Melo is of interest to Arsenal.

The Brazil international recently changed agent and apparently wants to leave Turin. He has spent plenty of time on the bench since October.

Arthur’s new representative, Federico Pastorello, is intent on finding a solution. That is most likely to be a loan this winter.

A switch to north London is on the cards as Pastorello has reportedly had ‘much more than a chat’ with Arsenal about the player.

Should Arthur join the three-time Premier League winners and impress then he could join permanently in the summer, which would see him follow in Odegaard’s foosteps.

READ MORE: Per Mertesacker makes damning assessment of recent transfers at Arsenal