A number of “top English clubs” are “monitoring” Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka‘s contract talks, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Reports last month suggested that Liverpool and Manchester City were the teams keeping an eye on the 20-year-old and, while he doesn’t mention any names specifically, Romano has claimed that interest from other Premier League sides is genuine:

“The talks between Arsenal and Bukayo Saka’s camp have been going on since February. Arsenal consider Saka a key player and think his contract extension is like a new signing, it is a priority for this summer. The top English clubs have been monitoring the situation for some time.”

Saka has two years remaining on his current deal so the Gunners are understandably keen to tie him down to an extension. Equally, the likes of Liverpool may well be looking to take advantage of the situation, but Romano has emphasised that the player’s first choice would be to stay at the Emirates:

“Arsenal is the player’s priority: Saka loves the club and there is a negotiation in progress. Honestly, I think it is ideal for Bukayo to stay at Arsenal because the project is very clear, ambitious and, with a manager who believes in him. In my opinion, over the years he could end up being worth even more than €100million (£85m).”

It’s likely that Liverpool’s recruitment team were considering Saka as a potential replacement for Mo Salah. However, the Egyptian’s decision to sign a new contract means the Reds are not expected to need another first-choice right winger anytime soon. It could be an option that may be revisited in the future though.