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Owen Hargreaves believes that Bukayo Saka will look to leave Arsenal for Real Madrid in a few years’ time – following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s example.
Saka’s future has been the subject of much speculation recently, with his contract set to expire in 2027.
The England international has only ever played for the Gunners and is arguably their best player, with 139 goal contributions in 256 games so far.
Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes fell apart during the four months Saka missed through injury this season, but upon returning to the pitch he played a key role in the side’s Champions League win over Real Madrid.
The winger was outstanding in both quarter-final legs and made up for a penalty miss with a stunning goal at the Santiago Bernabeu.
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But with just an FA Cup win to his name, it has been suggested that the 23-year-old may fancy a change of scenery – though the player himself has dismissed this.
But Hargreaves thinks that Saka’s performance in Madrid has made him a wanted man and claims that a transfer to Real or Barcelona will appeal to him later in his career.
‘That goal from Saka, the football was beautiful,’ the former Manchester United and England star said on Rio Ferdinand Presents.
He starts wide and drifts in. He knew what was coming, instinctive.
‘What’s amazing is that Saka played like that after being out for so long. That’s hard when you’ve been out of the game with a big injury like that.
‘I reckon after that – Arsenal won’t want to hear this – Real Madrid will be looking at him, thinking “he can play for us”.
‘He still has a lot of work to do at Arsenal for three or four years – win the Premier League.
‘Look at Trent. Won the league, won the Champions League, 27, [same age as] when Cristiano Ronaldo left [Man Utd for Real].
What Bukayo Saka has said about signing a new Arsenal contract
Asked about his future prior to Arsenal’s first clash against Real Madrid, Saka told reporters:
‘I want to win and I want to win wearing this badge.
‘I think it’s pretty clear. The fans know how much I love them and you saw when I came on [and scored against Fulham], I think they love me back.
‘It’s a good relationship and I’m really happy to be here and just focus on winning here.
‘I don’t think anybody’s really in a rush. I’ve got two years left on my contract so it’s pretty relaxed.
‘Everyone knows my thoughts and I’ve let you guys know as well. I don’t think there’s any rush really.’
‘You go there and it’s the next step, you test yourself. I can see Saka doing that when he’s 26 or so.’
Hargreaves did add that if any club wanted to buy Saka now it would take ‘at least’ £130million for Arsenal to even consider a sale.
As the season draws to a close, much focus is on Alexander-Arnold who may leave boyhood club Liverpool on a free transfer for Real.
Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah have extended their contracts at Anfield which might convince the England right-back to stay, but so far the defender has given nothing away.
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Bengali (Bangladesh) · 
English (United States) ·