Manchester City are reportedly interested in signing Arsenal star Bukayo Saka in 2023 and his arrival at the Etihad could be a potential repeat of the Citizens' signing of Raheem Sterling.

According to 90min, the Premier League champions have a long-standing interest in the England international and could be given the green light to sign him next year, should he fail to agree to a new contract with the Gunners, with his current deal set to expire in 2024.

The 21-year-old has been a key player for Mikel Arteta's side so far this season, hitting four goals and six assists in just 14 Premier League appearances, which has helped him to an impressive 7.35 rating from WhoScored.

Danny Murphy was full of praise for the impact of Saka and fellow winger Gabriel Martinelli after they defeated Liverpool 3-2 earlier in the season.

He said:

“The two young lads playing left and right for them would be giving any defences in Europe or world football a problem. Great players can force teams into mistakes.

“They’re relentless. They’re so direct and so full of confidence at the moment.”

 

Despite his age, Saka looks set to be at the forefront of the Gunners' title hopes this season and they will be desperate to tie him down to a long-term contract at the Emirates, especially if they have learnt anything from Liverpool's loss of Sterling in 2015.

The winger would swap Anfield for the Etihad in 2015, after narrowly missing out on the Premier League title with the Reds under Brendan Rodgers in the 2013/14 campaign.

He would go on to make 339 appearances for the Citizens, contributing an impressive 131 goals and 95 assists, winning five League Cups, four Premier League titles and one FA Cup during his spell in Manchester.

While there is no doubt that Arsenal are an ever-improving side, Saka may well look towards Sterling's career as the benchmark for winning trophies, and he could easily emulate the England star if he joined up with Pep Guardiola.

The prospect of signing another top talent from their nearest title rivals would surely reinforce City's reputation as the dominant force in English football, so Txiki Begiristain should do all he can to bring Saka to the Etihad next year.