Arsenal

Arsenal

Premier League • England

Arsenal could be made to pay for January business as Arteta’s prized asset eyed by two Prem rivals

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta gives instructions to Bukayo Saka, October 2021

Arsenal could be made to pay for their January business as Mikel Arteta’s prized asset Bukayo Saka is reportedly being eyed by two Premier League rivals.

The north London club failed to secure any incomings for the rest of the season while letting go a number of first-team players last month. That has left their squad light for the fight to make the Champions League spots.

Their form under Arteta this season has put them well in contention for the top four. And it is an achievement which would help with transfers.

A total lack of European football this season has harmed the Gunners’ negotiating position, something which would then be rectified.

However, missing out may have dire consequences. That’s because as per ESPN, Liverpool and Manchester City could swoop in that scenario.

Both are said to be watching Saka. Jurgen Klopp’s side have already been heavily linked in recent weeks.

However, Pep Guardiola’s admiration is a fresh discovery. He has shown a liking to young English talent with Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish.

Saka still has more than two years left on his contract at the Emirates. So it would cost a lot to take him away this summer.

Arsenal ready for £200m+ spend this summer

Arsenal ready for £200m+ spend this summer

Arsenal are preparing to spend over £200m this summer with Isak, Calvert-Lewin and Ruben Neves their targets

Arsenal are looking to tie the 20-year-old down to a new deal as well, according to a report by Football.London.

They want to upgrade his deal to reflect his importance to the side. His current terms will be quite outdated.

The attacker has 11 goal contributions across all competitions this term. Indeed, he has already netted more times this campaign than he did in the whole of last season.

Former Arsenal star speaks out


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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang talks to the media - pic via FC Barcelona on Twitter

Meanwhile, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has revealed his unhappiness at the way his Arsenal career ended, and pointed the finger of blame straight at Arteta.

The Gabon striker, 32, brought his Gunners career to a close in surprising fashion. Aubameyang moved to La Liga giants Barcelona on a free transfer, having exited Arsenal by “mutual agreement”.

As per The Times, the north London club paid him almost £7m to terminate his £350,000-a-week contract.

Aubameyang only signed a new three-year contract with Arsenal in September 2020. In fact, Arteta was a key man in persuading the forward to stay.

Aubameyang has already trained with his new teammates at Barcelona, though at his recent official unveiling, he spoke about his former club…

READ MOREAubameyang snaps back with parting shot at Arsenal exit – ‘Arteta was the problem’