Arsenal ramp up their efforts to tie down Bukayo Saka to a new long-term contract after Man City identified him as their No 1 target to replace Raheem Sterling... and Gunners chiefs are confident he WILL sign bumper deal

Arsenal are to accelerate their attempts to lock Bukayo Saka into a new contract amid concerns that Manchester City view their youngster as Raheem Sterling's dream replacement.

England international Sterling, who has played such a key role for City during Pep Guardiola's reign, completed his £45million switch to Chelsea on Wednesday bringing the curtain down on his illustrious career at the Etihad Stadium.

And City have already identified international colleague Saka, who like Sterling qualifies as a homegrown player, as their No.1 long-term target to take the departed 27-year-old's place in Guardiola's squad.