BBC Sport pundit has told Liverpool to snap up Arsenal midfielder | OneFootball

Former Tottenham forward and current BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks has told Liverpool to dip into their pockets and sign Bukayo Saka from Arsenal this summer.

Crooks has claimed something is ‘seriously wrong’ with Liverpool, and Manchester United, if they do not try to snap Saka up from the Gunners at the end of the season.

Speaking in his Team of the Week article for BBC Sport, Crooks named United and Liverpool as clubs who should target Saka. “If Manchester United or Liverpool don’t get their hand in their pockets and buy him there is something seriously wrong with them.

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“Bukayo Saka has been outstanding for Arsenal all season. He was their only shining light against Villarreal on Thursday night and his performance against West Brom days later was devastating. Everybody is talking about Manchester City’s Phil Foden, this lad is just as good if not better.”

ANFIELD WATCH VERDICT

Saka has been outstanding for Arsenal despite their struggles in the Premier League. The teenager has averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.94 across 29 appearances in the league, whilst also averaging a score of 7.14 in nine Europa League games. This shows that he has been able to stand out in Arsenal’s team and perform consistently despite still being four months away from his 20th birthday.

From that perspective, we can see where Crooks is coming from. Saka is clearly a talented young midfielder, given the level of performances he has been able to maintain for Arsenal, and could have a bright future ahead of him in the Premier League. However, that does not mean Liverpool suddenly have the funds to go out and splash a gigantic transfer fee on Saka. He is under contract until 2024 and is valued at over £50m by Transfermarkt, which suggests that Liverpool would need to pay an astronomical figure to sign him.

Liverpool have reportedly been hit hard financially by the Covid-19 pandemic and Melissa Reddy has claimed the club’s transfer reserves, ready for them to make a marquee signing, have been depleted over the last 12 months due to the pandemic. This means that the club may not have the funds required to buy Saka, despite Crooks’ recommendation.