Bukayo Saka was magnificent for Arsenal during the 2021/2022 campaign as the youngster played a major part in Arsenal’s push for Champions League qualification. His importance to the team was epitomised by the fact that he was awarded with the player of the season award.
There had been speculation surrounding his future as he is yet to sign a new deal. But Arsenal must make securing his future a priority, as his impact highlighted how important he is to the team.
The Gunners may have to sacrifice a key January transfer target from Edu’s attempts to keep Saka at the club. This comes after Real Madrid have reportedly turned their attentions towards Cody Gakpo despite registering interest in Saka.
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According to Dutch journalist Marco Timmer, Real Madrid are interested in signing Gakpo for more than €50million (£43million). His agent reportedly has plans to have talks with clubs after the World Cup.
Gakpo has had an incredible start to the World Cup scoring two goals in two games. Players in the past have used the competition to secure a move to Real Madrid in the past with former Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil and Colombian international James Rodriguez being the prime examples.
Real Madrid’s interest in Gakpo comes after Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth had claimed that Arsenal could accelerate their plans to sign the Dutch winger and has not ruled out a January move. This comes after an excellent start to the season for the youngster in the Eredivisie.
According to 90min, Real Madrid and Manchester City are among the sides monitoring Saka, which Arsenal and the player are aware of, but there's growing confidence that fresh terms will be signed off before the new year.
Despite Real Madrid’s reported interest in Saka, signing both Gakpo and the Englishman would make little sense due to the pair playing in the same position. With them operating in the same area of the pitch, acquiring both players may not be worth the financial package required for a double signing.
Towards the end of last season, the Englishman was viewed as one of the club's most valuable assets and football.london understood that the Gunners had made extending the current contract of the youngster a key priority ahead of the summer transfer window.
Arsenal are said to be pushing hard to tie Saka down to a new long-term contract. Reports claim that Edu believes the deal is on the right track.
For Arsenal to secure Saka’s contract, Edu may have to be prepared to sacrifice the ideal transfer to sign Gakpo, in order to prevent Real Madrid from trying to persuade Saka to make the switch to La Liga.
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