Report: Bayern Munich “seriously interested” in Arsenal midfielder Bukayo Saka this summer

According to the reliable David Ornstein of The Athletic, Bayern Munich are among a number of European clubs interested in signing Arsenal midfielder Bukayo Saka this summer. The 18-year-old England youth international has yet to sign a new contract with the Gunners, which has made him the subject of much interest from top teams. Arsenal are trying to sign him to a new contract as soon as possible.

Why buy Saka?

Now, this is a little bit confusing. Saka is a wide midfielder who occasionally plays at left back — not a true winger, and only this season has he begun to get first-team minutes. It’s difficult to see why Bayern Munich would want him, especially when the Bavarians already have a glut of midfielders and left-backs at the club.

If the hope is that he can be converted into a proper left winger, that would seem unwise. Bayern already have Kingsley Coman, Ivan Perisic (pending his purchase), and Alphonso Davies for the position, with Leroy Sané supposedly on the way in the summer. Could this be an indication that some players — such as David Alaba or Thiago Alcantara — are preparing to leave this summer? We sure hope not.

The other clubs mentioned as in the running are Liverpool and Manchester United. While neither team has any pressing need for a player like Saka, English clubs are always on the lookout for cheap homegrown talent due to Premier League roster rules. Bayern Munich do not have that incentive either, so their pursuit of Saka must be for sporting reasons — as one would expect.

Perhaps the Bayern bosses merely want to keep their options open? Saka’s pretty young, so there’s no reason why he couldn’t get the Serge Gnabry loan treatment for a few years until he’s ready. Or maybe Ornstein could just be overstating Bayern’s interest. Who knows? If anything develops from this rumor, we’ll be sure to keep you updated.