Edu has an ideal £8m replacement should Arsenal star Bukayo Saka leave Emirates this summer

Arsenal’s 1-0 victory away at Aston Villa on Saturday tightened their grip on a place inside the top four. As things stand, they’re three points clear of bitter rivals Tottenham in fifth, despite having played a game less.

It’s shaping up to be a really good campaign for Mikel Arteta’s men, with a return of Champions League football to the Emirates next season looking more and more likely. This is undoubtedly a huge positive from an Arsenal perspective, yet there is a downside to the Gunners’ onfield improvements.

Top European sides are now taking a closer look at some of Arsenal’s most promising young players, and there is a risk that Arteta will be fighting interest for a number of his key stars in the summer.

Arsenal urged to sign £49.5m-rated midfielder who Paul Merson thinks is 'special'

We’ve already seen reports in recent weeks stating that Liverpool are weighing up making a move for Bukayo Saka, with Jurgen Klopp reportedly a huge admirer of the 20-year-old. The attacker grabbed his ninth goal of the season in Saturday’s victory, and it’s thought Arsenal officials are working hard behind the scenes to get him tied down on a new and improved deal.

As things stand, Arsenal are in a solid position when it comes to Saka’s contract. His current deal runs until 2024, and there is an option for the club to trigger a year’s extension. However, if Liverpool were to formalise their interest in the summer, especially with a substantial offer, then Arsenal maybe be left in a difficult situation.

They may find the offer too good to turn down from a financial perspective, especially if Saka were to express an interest in heading to Anfield - although as things stand there’s been nothing to suggest this is the case.

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