Bukayo Saka may have dropped a clear hint over Arsenal's move for Declan Rice this summer transfer window, responding to a message from his international teammate. The pair combined with each other during the international break, featuring for England in European Championship qualifiers.
The Three Lions had won their opening two games against Italy and Ukraine, setting up a potential of four wins from as many games against Malta and North Macedonia. Gareth Southgate's men won the first clash 4-0 away before returning to England to play the latter tie at Old Trafford.
The home side won the clash at a canter, hitting North Macedonia for seven in a match that was an ideal send off until the next set of fixtures in September. The star of the show was Saka, who bagged himself a first career hattrick with three stunning finishes on the night.
"I am delighted for him," Southgate said of the forward and his performance on Monday. "He’s had a slightly sore Achilles – for a few weeks – and it’s another one where it would have been easy to pull out of the camp and miss out on a night like this that I’m sure will live with him forever.
"When you have one of the best nights of your life it’s a reminder to everyone to go through these things." The Gunners will now be hoping the 21-year-old will have some deserved time off before he returns to action for pre-season, where the side could make a charge towards the Premier League title once again.
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He could well be joined by England teammate Rice, who football.london understands is a top priority for Arsenal in the transfer window this summer. The north London outfit have had an initial £80million bid turned down from West Ham for their captain, with expectation that he is valued at around £100million with just two-years remaining on his contract.
In the mean time, there's a waiting game with the 24-year-old, who has finally seen his long season come to a close with the final international game. Posting a selfie with Saka on Instagram, Rice said: "Unbelievable way to end the season! @BukayoSaka87 on [fire emojis]."
The Arsenal star responded with a red and white heart, one commonly used when referencing the Gunners online within the fanbase and players. It could hint at the pair linking up as teammates on the club stage as well as internationally in the very near future.
In the mean time, it remains on the north London club to make an offer to West Ham that will be accepted before any further progress on Rice can be made.
