Transfer Centre

Arsenal 'may have to sell Bukayo Saka to fund summer transfers'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 04 April 2021

Arsenal 'may have to sell Saka to fund summer transfers'

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta may reportedly consider selling teenage starlet Bukayo Saka as a last resort to fund transfer business for the new season.

Arsenal could reportedly be forced to sell highly-rated starlet Bukayo Saka in order to raise the necessary funds for summer transfer business.

The Gunners' European hopes for the 2020-21 campaign are hanging by a thread after their dismal 3-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Premier League, and that result leaves Mikel Arteta's side nine points off the pace in the hunt for a Champions League spot.

A successful venture in the Europa League would see the Gunners return to the pinnacle of European football, but should Arsenal fail to qualify for a spot in continental competition, their transfer plans could be severely impacted.

As a result, The Times suggests that Arteta could ultimately be forced to part ways with Saka, who would command a much higher transfer fee than players who already appear to be heading for the exit door, such as Sead Kolasinac, Lucas Torreira and Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke is said to be reluctant to fund new arrivals given the club's poor fortunes on the pitch, but Arteta would only consider selling Saka as a last resort if they cannot garner enough money from offloading out-of-favour players.

Saka has been a shining light in an otherwise mediocre season for Arsenal, with the 19-year-old registering six goals and six assists in all competitions for the Gunners.