"Kid is a talent" - Paul Merson on reported Liverpool target

Pundit Paul Merson is a big fan of Arsenal winger and reported Liverpool target Bukayo Saka.

The 21-year-old has scored 24 goals and registered 31 assists in 137 appearances for the Gunners' first-team.

Saka has also averaged a WhoScored player rating of 7.25 across Arsenal's opening six Premier League matches this season.

Therefore, we weren't surprised to hear Merson praise the youngster on television.

“Keep on doing what he is doing,” he told Sky Sports. “That’s what makes top, top players. You just keep on doing it. He is only just turned 21.

“He has got another seven or eight years at the top level, at the very least. He needs to make sure when he is getting interviewed at 29, that carries on and that’s when you are a top player.

“People like Roy (Keane), (Paul) Scholes, Jimmy (Floyd Hasselbaink), (Dennis) Bergkamp and (Thierry) Henry. They stayed at the top. (Cesc) Fabregas’ numbers there (52 goal involvements before turning 21 compared to Saka’s 34), you have to remember who he was playing with.

“I think the kid is a talent. He plays in a hard position. You play on the wing, then you are sweating on midfield players. I do like him, but the acid test is that he will sign a big contract, and then you kick on.”

Anfield Watch Verdict

As we have pointed out, Saka is a fine player. The winger's contract does not expire until the conclusion of the 2023-24 campaign.

Saka possesses a current market value of £58.50 million. However, it has been reported that the 21-year-old will sign a new deal with Arsenal.

With that being the case, we would be surprised if Saka and Liverpool crossed paths in the near future.

It seems like the England international is happy at the Emirates. But, Liverpool do possess plenty of attacking options (Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota).

So, missing out on Saka should not hurt the Reds too much.