"Huge fan" - Guardiola targets Arsenal star, the Gunners can't afford to lose him

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is a “huge fan” of Arsenal star Bukayo Saka.

The 21-year-old starred on his World Cup debut, scoring a brace as England ran out 6-2 winners against Iran.

Saka has also been key to Arsenal’s success this term. His four goals and six assists in the Premier League have helped the Gunners secure top spot at the World Cup break.

The Gunners are in talks with the winger over a new contract. The England star's current deal runs out in 2024, though there is an option of a one-year extension, according to the Athletic.

Nevertheless, Arsenal remain in talks with Saka, as they do not want him to enter the final year of his deal.

Pep interested

According to the Daily Mail Guardiola is a “huge fan” of Saka and views him as a “dream” alternative for Raheem Sterling, who departed Man City for Chelsea in the summer.

The publication suggests that if Arsenal do not get a deal sorted for Saka, Man City would likely be keen to secure the England international’s signature.

While Saka is said to love Arsenal, he allegedly also wants to treble his £70,000-a-week wages at the Emirates.

Speaking in September, Arteta was positive about the prospect of Saka signing a new deal.

The Arsenal boss said: “I am very confident that we as a club and Bukayo, his family, his agent, everybody, we are very much aligned in what we want to achieve.

“And now it is about putting it on a piece of paper.

“I would like that to get done because I don’t want the player or anybody distracted while we are in the middle of the season.

“But those things take time and they have to go through the right process, and I think the process has been really good.”