Manchester City's watching brief and admiration in the talents of one of Arsenal's poster attacking stars has sparked contract focus at the Emirates Stadium.
The two sides have gone head-to-head on the pitch over the last two Premier League seasons, competing intensely for the English top-flight title consecutively, with Pep Guardiola's Manchester City coming out on top on both occasions.
That competition between the two clubs has lent to a relentless pursuit of continued improvement of their respective squads, with Arsenal having secured two of Manchester City's previous Premier League title winners as part of their hunt for glory.
Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko both made exits from the Etihad Stadium to be reunited with Mikel Arteta at the Emirates Stadium, but have since gone on to come second to their former side in the race for the Premier League crown.
Now, the latest report points towards a potential switch between the two clubs once again, but this time in the direction of the Etihad Stadium and concerning one of Arsenal's leading club poster boys.
According to the information of CaughtOffside, Arsenal are keen to extend Bukayo Saka's contract until the conclusion of the 2029/30 campaign, with 'interest' from other elite clubs having 'grown recently'.
The report explains that Manchester City are 'long-term admirers' of the England international, who is currently starring at the ongoing European Championships in Germany, despite the player having 'never shown a willingness to leave' Arsenal.
However, it is pointed out that Emirates Stadium bosses value Saka at around EUR200 million, and as such the prospect of any exit from his boyhood club is likely to be ruled out further as a direct result.
Manchester City are understood to be keeping one eye on the wide-winger market this summer, but have already recruited once in the position with senior Brazil international Savio set to complete a move in the coming weeks.
The 20-year-old is expected to put pen to paper on a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2029 at the earliest, with big ambitions for the player from within the organisation.
While there had been initial concerns from some quarters of the Manchester City supporter base that a loan move would be sanctioned for Savio during the forthcoming season, the understanding is now that the player has been informed of his place in Pep Guardiola's plans.
Savio will have his first opportunity to impress Manchester City and their coaching staff during the upcoming pre-season tour of the United States, with four games upcoming for the club on the east coast of the country later this month.