Hard to turn Manchester City down but heart says Bukayo Saka will stay, admits Theo Walcott
Former Arsenal star Theo Walcott has insisted that anyone would find it hard to turn down an offer to join Manchester City at the moment although he insisted that Bukayo Saka would remain with Arsenal ahead of next season. The English winger is reported to be a target for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Bukayo Saka joined the Arsenal youth academy at the age of seven and has progressed through the age groups before making his senior breakthrough in the 2019-20 season. The young winger has slowly but steadily improved his all-around game and has become one of the most exciting attackers in the Premier League currently. The English winger has made 131 appearances for the London club while scoring 23 goals and registering 29 assists across all competitions.
That combined with Saka's development has seen reports indicate that Manchester City are determined to sign him as they look to bolster their attacking options. The futures of Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling, and Riyad Mahrez are uncertain and the English champions have identified the Gunners star as the perfect replacement to spearhead their ambitions for the future. It is understood that Arsenal are unwilling to sell their star player although a final decision will hinge on the player himself.
Former Gunners winger Theo Walcott has weighed in on the rumours and advised Saka to not leave the club as he will be limited to reduced game time at the Etihad Stadium.
“Obviously, when Manchester City coming knocking on the door, it is such a hard thing for any player really to turn down. He has great support, and I will be intrigued. My heart says he will be at Arsenal next season. He needs to understand that the playing opportunities will be limited at Manchester City. He will, of course, be more likely to win things, but that's not to say Arsenal won’t win things. I am hopeful he will be at Arsenal next season, I am pretty sure of that,” Walcott told talkSPORT.