Man City ‘step up’ chase for Saka but could face bidding war with Liverpool

Manchester City have stepped up their chase for Bukayo Saka but could face a summer bidding war with Liverpool to sign him.

The Arsenal winger is fresh off the back of a stellar season for the Gunners which saw him finish the campaign as the club's top scorer in both the league and all competitions. That form has attracted interest from both City and Liverpool, according to the Daily Mail, but neither club are expected to make an approach this summer.

Instead, the two clubs are monitoring Saka's contract situation, with the England international having entered the final two years of his current deal.

Arsenal are understood to have prioritised extending Saka's contract this summer after beginning talks over a new deal during the final weeks of the season.

However, the club are said to be fearful that negotiations could be affected by the club's failure to qualify for the Champions League, a competition Saka has never played in.

Both City and Liverpool are believed to be hoping a new deal cannot be agreed this summer, so that Saka's value will drop as his contract gets closer to expiring. Neither are expected to make an approach before the end of the summer, though, with both clubs reportedly keen on bolstering their central midfield options instead.

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Premier League champions City have already strengthened their attack with the signing of Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund. Meanwhile, Julian Alvarez is set to return from his loan spell at River Plate after signing for City in February.

Saka has developed into a key man for Arsenal since coming through the club's academy to make his first team debut back in November 2018. He grabbed himself 12 goals and seven assists in 43 appearances last season, topping the club's scoring charts in the league and all competitions.

Just last month, Arsenal were warned by Rio Ferdinand that they must match Saka's aspirations if they are to tie him down to a new long-term deal, following reports his representatives could demand a release clause be inserted into the contract.

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