Manchester City are reportedly plotting a swoop for Arsenal star Bukayo Saka and the Englishman could be the ideal replacement for Riyad Mahrez in Pep Guardiola’s side.
According to 90min, Txiki Begiristain wants to sign two of England’s major stars from the World Cup in Qatar, with Jude Bellingham also on their shortlist.
Saka would undoubtedly set City back a significant sum, and Arsenal are unlikely to want to sell to their current closest title rivals, but his contract situation at the Emirates could prove instrumental in any deal, as right now he will be free to leave the Gunners in the summer of 2024.
The 21-year-old was ranked as the top performer in Gareth Southgate’s squad by WhoScored after contributing three goals in just four appearances, averaging a superb 7.68 rating for his performances.
He has also been instrumental in Arsenal’s rise to the top of the Premier League table, notching four goals and six assists in just 14 appearances, averaging a 7.35 rating from WhoScored.
As a left-footed right-winger, the “wonderful” – as described by Micah Richards – World Cup star would be a natural heir to Mahrez in Pep Guardiola’s side, as the Algerian has shown this season that he is no longer the player that he once was at the Etihad.
With just one goal in nine Premier League appearances so far this term, the former Leicester City man is slowly being phased out of the first-team with the Citizens, and Saka could be the ideal long-term replacement, considering how impressive he is for club and country at such a young age.
WhoScored suggests that both Mahrez and Saka excel at playing key passes and finishing, while they both love to cut inside, so it seems clear that they are similar types of winger.
As the City wide man is nearly 32, it seems clear that a long-term replacement is needed in Guardiola’s side, and there seems little to suggest that Saka wouldn’t be an excellent heir at the Etihad.