Paul Merson raises Bukayo Saka exit theory as Arsenal transfer fear emerges

Paul Merson has raised fears that Arsenal may be preparing for Bukayo Saka's exit this summer.

The Gunners are looking to add a winger to their forward line this summer and were linked with a move for Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams. However, the La Liga club have since agreed a new 10-year contract with the Spanish international, meaning Mikel Arteta's side need to look elsewhere.

football.london understands that Arsenal and Chelsea are currently locked in club-to-club negotiations for Noni Madueke. The winger is expected to be announced as an Arsenal player in the coming days and will sign a five-year contract at the Emirates Stadium.

READ MORE: Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal transfer latest - £8.7m issue, 'tense' negotiations, Arteta deadline

READ MORE: Rodrygo transfer claim does not add up as Arsenal right to focus on Eberechi Eze move

But former Gunners midfielder Merson has questioned the move. He believes that the £52million fee for him is excessive when Arteta already has Saka to call upon in that position.

"What I don't get is that Madueke's best position is playing on the right, cutting inside and getting shots away," he told Sky Sports.

"Who does that for Arsenal? Bukayo Saka. And he's not coming out of the Arsenal starting XI.

"So, with that in mind, £52m is a lot of money for a backup player, in this day and age.

"There's also Ethan Nwaneri coming through and getting first-team minutes. Everyone tells me how good he is. There's also a kid called Max Dowman coming through. I know he is a very young player but the stories you hear about him and the clips you see; they are off the chart.

"That's what I don't get, unless they don't fancy Nwaneri as a player."

Merson has also shared his concerns for Saka's future in north London.

He added: "Call me a cynic, but is there another reason why they are doing this deal? Are there concerns about the future of Saka?

"Are they getting this deal done and then all of a sudden it allows a potential sale of Saka or someone else.

"The one player at Arsenal who has to play every week is Saka. When he doesn't play, they are not the same team.

"The players around him are not the same when he doesn't play. If fit, he plays. So why do you spend £52m on a backup for him?"