Former Premier League striker Kevin Phillips believes Arsenal starlet Bukayo Saka could replace Mohamed Salah at Liverpool.
This comes following a report from ESPN claiming that the Reds and Manchester City were both watching the 20-year-old with interest.
Both clubs could be poised to make a summer move should Arsenal miss out on the top four, with the belief being Saka would move in search of UEFA Champions League football.
Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips suggested that whilst emulating Salah would be nigh on impossible, the Englishman has the credentials to get close.
I think he’s an unbelievable talent and I think, moulded in the right way, he’ll turn out to be a top-class player. Whether he can go to Liverpool if that was to happen, could he emulate what Salah’s done? It’d be very, very difficult for any player to do that. But he’s certainly got the attributes and qualities that he possibly could join Liverpool and replace Salah. Let’s not forget, Salah didn’t tear it up early on at Chelsea. For Saka, he’s developing all the time.
So far this season Saka has scored seven times and provided four assists in 26 appearances across all competitions.
Meanwhile, Salah – who is expected to make a prompt return to domestic action following AFCON heartache – has netted a remarkable 23 times in 26 matches.
Mohamed Salah has told Liverpool he will be back in training tomorrow, eager to play against Leicester City. https://t.co/pss5x45g1D
— paul joyce (@_pauljoyce) February 7, 2022
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Predominantly operating from an attacking right-midfield role this term, Saka is capable of playing on either wing as well as in various other positions.
That versatility would certainly endear Jurgen Klopp to the 14-cap England man and a summer swoop would be welcomed by all associated with the Reds.
As for replacing Salah, Liverpool still hope to tie down the Egyptian king beyond a 2023 deal and any move to sign the £58.5million valued Saka could simply be viewed as offering cover.
