Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is “a huge fan” of Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and views the World Cup forward as a “dream” replacement for Raheem Sterling, according to The Mail.

The Lowdown: Saka’s success

It feels as though Saka has been around for ages. And with over 150 appearances made for Arsenal across a three-and-a-half year span, he has. 

Yet he is still just 21-years-old, having hit a career high returns total last season aged 20.

11 goals and seven assists saw Saka lead Arsenal to fifth-place last term, finishing as the club’s highest goal-scorer in the Premier League. 

The Latest: Pep’s dream

Having secured the medium-term future of Guardiola, Manchester City arguably carry the highest level of prestige throughout the European football landscape, offering a safe yet expressive, serial-winning platform for the game’s brightest stars. 

Saka is one of those potential stars, with a report by Sami Mokbel and Adrian Kajumba of the Daily Mail stating that Pep and Co are “watching developments closely” as Arsenal commence talks with the star over a new contract. 

The Verdict: Mate’s rates

The acquisition of Saka would represent an esteemed transfer coup for Manchester City, who would benefit from the arrival of a fresh inverted presence like the 21-year-old. 

The same report from the Daily Mail states that Arsenal are in talks to triple the World Cup star’s £70k-per-week wages and remain confident that he will sign a new deal. 

If the unthinkable happens and Saka holds off on committing his long-term future at the Emirates, he will still have a good few years before his contract expires, so City would need to fork out a hefty fee. 

If the twist is to occur, Pep will be hoping for a ‘mate’s rates’ deal with mentee Mikel Arteta, but for now, the Cityzens are monitoring form afar.