BBC pundit says Arsenal starlet Saka could play for Real Madrid

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Garth Crooks has told BBC Sport that he cannot say much more about Bukayo Saka after his latest display for Arsenal, except to suggest that he would be good enough to play for Barcelona or Real Madrid.

Saka scored what proved to be the decisive goal for the Gunners on Saturday. The 20-year-old scored his seventh Premier League goal of the campaign in the win over Brentford.

In fact, his strike was his fifth Premier League goal in his last six appearances. Those goals have helped Mikel Arteta’s men to four wins and one draw in that run. Only Manchester City have denied them any points.

It is scary to think that Saka is only 20 years of age. And he will only turn 21 once the new campaign has begun. He has been a game-changer almost throughout his time in the Arsenal first-team. Roy Keane previously suggested that he is a special talent.

And currently, he is only behind Emile Smith Rowe in the top-flight scoring charts for the Gunners. The pair have managed 16 goals together this season.

Reports claimed that clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester City are monitoring the youngster. And Crooks has suggested that Saka is now reaching a level where Barca and Real would want the Arsenal starlet.

“I don’t think there is any more I can say about this player that I haven’t already said,” he told BBC Sport.

“We are, however, coming into a period in the modern game when English players are starting to look attractive to the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid again. Although in the current climate I doubt whether they can afford the likes of Saka. Which is fortunate for Arsenal.”

Arsenal need to keep building to keep players like Saka and Smith Rowe happy

Arsenal remain in a fantastic position in the race for the top-four. But the battle is still very open. So it is incredibly difficult to call who will get themselves over the finishing line.

It is not necessarily imperative that Arsenal qualify for the Champions League this year if they hope to keep Saka and Smith Rowe. But a return to that competition at some stage is undoubtedly a must.

They have two players who are rapidly getting closer to reaching a world-class level.