Arsenal could be forced to sell Bukayo Saka due to pandemic losses

Martin Macdonald

Updated: 7 Jun 2021 10:19 BST
2 min read

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Arsenal could be forced to sell one of their key assets this summer in Bukayo Saka in order to help balance the books due to huge losses during the pandemic.

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The Times have reported that the Gunners have lost around £150 million of revenue due to not having fans in the Emirates as well as some restructured broadcast deals.

In the summer before the 2020/21 season, they spent in excess of £76m on Thomas Partey, Gabriel, Pablo Mari and Runar Alex Runarsson.

Manager Mikel Arteta reportedly has a transfer wishlist for this summer, too, but it now appears they may be forced into selling rather than buying.

Saka has emerged as one of Arsenal’s most important players under Arteta, and due to his age, he is seen as probably the asset they would get the most money for, should they have to sell.

If they qualify for the Champions League via the top four of the Europa League, they may not have to sell him.

Who could sign Bukayo Saka from Arsenal?

Saka signed a new contract with the Gunners in the summer, but prior to that there was major interest from Liverpool, who turned their attentions to the young England star after losing out on Timo Werner to Chelsea.

It is believed that Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool would still be interested in a move for Saka depending on the price, as they are reportedly on the lookout for a new winger to provide support and competition for Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

As Arsenal would only sell him in order to recoup financial losses, though, it is unlikely they would accept any bids at a knockdown price, especially to a league rival.

Chelsea previously held an interest in Saka, too, but they have an embarrassment of riches in their wide forward roles and would probably not spend big on another winger.

The selling of Saka has been described as a ‘worst-case scenario’ for the club, and it is believed they will focus on the sales of players like Alexandre Lacazette, Hector Bellerin, and Granit Xhaka before entertaining the idea of letting Saka go.