KEY POINTS

  • Arsenal has no interest to deal away Bukayo Saka if the interest from other clubs grows
  • The Gunners are expected to explore possibilities with Houssem Aouar next summer
  • Saka is the latest star to come out of Arsenal academy like Emile Smith Rowe

Arsenal is expected to target some players next summer, and one of them is Houssem Aouar.

Despite this alleged pursuit, the Gunners are unlikely to change their stance on resident midfielder Bukayo Saka.

Although he has been branded as untouchable by the Gunners, this has not stopped interest from other teams.

This is according to Fabrizio Romano who touched on the status of the 20-year-old player during his podcast.

"I want to talk about Bukayo Saka, because some clubs are starting to approach Bukayo Saka, to watch Saka as one of the best players in his position for the future," he said.

Houssem Aouar in action against Bayern Munich. He is one of those players who could well now be sold by a Lyon side deprived of Champions League football in the new season
Houssem Aouar in action against Bayern Munich. He is one of those players who could well now be sold by a Lyon side deprived of Champions League football in the new season POOL / Miguel A. Lopes

However, Romano clarified that no teams have made bids for Saka. Instead, most are checking on his contract situation even if the chances of snagging him from the Gunners is not that high.

“Some clubs, they are not making bids or anything, but they are asking about the contract and everything. Arsenal considers this player untouchable. He is a player for the present and the future, and Arsenal are planning on building on Saka for the future," Romano explained.

It remains to be seen if things will change, assuming Arsenal is successful in its chase for Aouar. The Gunners are reportedly interested in the French midfielder’s services.

Aouar made it clear that he wants to finish the current season in France, meaning it could be a different story next season, Todofichajes reported.

Hence, the Gunners are expected to remain persistent as they keep tabs on the 23-year-old midfielder’s situation at Lyon.

But there are precedents tied to it. That includes whether Aouar continues to play European football. Should he stop, a potential move to England could become difficult.

Bukayo Saka at Euro 2020
JULY 11: Bukayo Saka of England misses his team's fifth penalty in a penalty shoot out which is saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Final between Italy and England at Wembley Stadium on July 11, 2021 in London, England. Photo by Shaun Botterill - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

Saka is a product of the Arsenal academy, yet another reason why the Gunners may want to keep him.

He is a player of the future, so a potential deal involving the English winger does not appear to be in the cards.

Arsenal has been giving academy graduates the chance, and Mikel Arteta appears to be skimming the ranks for players who can make the first team.

Aside from Saka, there is also Emile Smith Rowe emerging from the academy. As mentioned in a previous post, another rising star could be Charlie Patino although he is a work-in-progress.

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