Arsenal receive Bukayo Saka transfer warning

Cameron Smith

Updated: 22 Apr 2025 13:23 CDT
3 min read

Arsenal superstar Bukayo Saka has been tipped to join Real Madrid by former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves.

The England international has just two years remaining on his current contract at the Emirates Stadium, but he is reportedly set to be offered a bumper new deal that will see him become the highest-earner at the club.

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However, Hargreaves believes that Saka could be tempted to join Real Madrid in his mid-twenties if he helps Arsenal win several pieces of silverware over the next few years.

“That goal from Saka [versus Real Madrid in the Champions League], the football was beautiful,” Hargreaves told the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel. “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, [but] look at Trent. Won the league, won the Champions League, 27, [same age as] when Cristiano Ronaldo left [Man Utd for Real Madrid].

“You go there [Real Madrid] and it’s the next step, you test yourself. I can see Saka doing that when he’s 26 or so.”

Bukayo Saka to join Real Madrid?

Hargreaves’ comments follow a report from Defensa Central that claims Real Madrid will pursue a move for Saka if Vinicius Junior or Rodrygo depart the club this summer.

The England star has been identified as a potential statement signing amid his impressive form for Arsenal and Los Blancos are reportedly willing to pay in excess of €120 million in order to finalise a deal for his signature.