Transfer Centre

Manchester City 'planning to sign Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham'

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 16 December 2022

Man City 'planning to sign Saka, Bellingham'

Manchester City reportedly set their sights on recruiting Arsenal attacker Bukayo Saka and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham.

Manchester City have reportedly set their sights on recruiting Arsenal attacker Bukayo Saka and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham.

The England duo were both standout performers for Gareth Southgate's side at the 2022 World Cup before their journey in Qatar was ultimately ended by current holders France in the quarter-finals.

Saka and Bellingham have both been linked with moves away from their respective clubs, particularly the latter who is set to become one of the most sought-after midfielders when the transfer window reopens in the New Year.

Speculation surrounding both players is set to intensify in 2023, and according to 90min, Man City are drawing up plans to strengthen their squad by signing the two England stars.

The report adds that the Citizens have held an interest in Saka for some time and are taking an 'active interest' in the 21-year-old's contract negotiations with Arsenal.

Bukayo Saka celebrates scoring for England on December 4, 2022 © Reuters

Saka has developed into a key player for the Gunners under head coach Mikel Arteta and has established himself as a first-team regular since making his senior debut in November 2018.

The Hale End academy graduate has contributed with 28 goals and 35 assists in 151 appearances for Arsenal across all competitions, including five goals and six assists in 20 matches so far this season.

However, Saka's long-term future at the Emirates Stadium is believed to be uncertain, as he now has just 18 months remaining on his current contract.

Arteta has previously affirmed that he is "very confident" Saka will commit his future to the Gunners, who are allegedly prepared to triple the winger's £70,000-a-week wages with a bumper new contract offer.

The potential lure of representing Premier League champions Man City could tempt Saka, though, as well as the prospect of working under manager Pep Guardiola, who recently committed his future to the Etihad Stadium until 2025.

Should Saka fail to agree fresh terms over a new contract with Arsenal, it is thought that City will be 'given the green light' to pursue a transfer for the winger in 2023.

Jude Bellingham in action for England on December 4, 2022 © Reuters

Meanwhile, the Citizens are also in a hotly-contested race for the signature of 19-year-old Bellingham, who is said to be considering his options ahead of a possible exit from Dortmund in the New Year.

The report from 90min states that City will only attempt to persuade Bellingham to join the club if they believe they have a genuine chance of securing his services.

However, Guardiola's side are set to face stern competition from the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain for his signature.

Bellingham – who is believed to be a primary target for Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool – has excelled during his time at BVB, recording 19 goals and 21 assists in 112 appearances across all competitions, and has emerged as a leader within the first-team group.

The teenager is thought to be valued at around £130m and is under contract until the summer of 2025, with Dortmund still hopeful that they can tie him down to a new deal.

Man City star Phil Foden recently talked up Bellingham as one of the "most gifted" players that he has ever seen and believes he is destined to become "the best midfielder" in world football.