Arsenal fear Man City view Bukayo Saka as 'dream' Raheem Sterling replacement

Arsenal are set to intensify their attempts to get Bukayo Sake to sign a new long-term contract.

The England international enjoyed another reputation-enhancing campaign last term, solidifying his place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad and comfortably winning Arsenal’s Player of the Season award.

Arsenal remain confident that Saka will eventually put pen to paper on a new deal, but the interest of Manchester City who, according to Sportsmail, view the winger as a ‘dream’ replacement for Raheem Sterling represents a major concern.

The Premier League champions are in the midst of a significant overhaul with Gabriel Jesus and Sterling having already departed, while Oleksandr Zinchenko is set to join Arteta at Arsenal imminently.

Riyad Mahrez has signed a new three-year contract and Phil Foden is set to follow suit, but City are positioning themselves to test the waters and are carefully monitoring Saka’s situation.

A failure to qualify for this season’s Champions League represented a major blow to Arsenal’s hopes of resolving Saka’s future swiftly, while a slow start to the upcoming campaign would have a similarly negative impact.

Arsenal kick-off the new season against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in just under a month’s time and have made an impressive start to their summer rebuilding process.

Fabio Vieira joined from Porto in a £34million deal, while Brazilian teenager Marquinhos will hope to replicate the impact Gabriel Martinelli had when he joined the club as a total unknown three years ago.

William Saliba, too, has returned from his loan spell at Marseille and is ready to compete for a first team spot in an attempt to oust either Ben White or Gabriel Magalhaes.

Speaking for the first time since his return,