Bukayo Saka has haunted Real Madrid once. Now he may wear their badge.
The 23-year-old winger delivered a pair of standout performances against Los Blancos in the Champions League quarterfinals, scoring at the Bernabéu and helping Arsenal eliminate the Spanish giants in emphatic fashion. That display may have done more than knock Madrid out of Europe. It may have positioned Saka as their next marquee target.
Madrid, still reeling from the 5–1 aggregate loss, are reportedly prepared to act—on one condition. According to reports in Spain and England, Real will make a formal move for Saka only if one of Vinícius Júnior or Rodrygo departs this summer. Saudi clubs and Premier League suitors have made their interest in both Brazilians known. If either goes, Florentino Pérez already knows who comes in.
Club executives, including Pérez and chief scout Juni Calafat, are said to be united behind the idea that Saka fits the club’s vision for the future. The number discussed is staggering: around $128 million. A British-record sale if it happens.
Saka, a Future Galáctico?
Owen Hargreaves was among the first to float the idea publicly. Speaking after Arsenal’s triumph in Spain, he told Vibe with Five, “I reckon after that—Arsenal won’t want to hear this—Real Madrid will be looking at him, thinking ‘he can play for us.’” He later suggested Madrid could offer upwards of $149 million for the England star.
That sentiment was echoed by Rio Ferdinand, who immediately added, “Yeah, 100 percent.”
Saka has been clear about his ambitions for the two years remaining on his current deal. “I want to win and I want to win wearing this badge,” he said ahead of the Champions League clash. “The fans know how much I love them.”
Still, Madrid’s interest won’t be easily dismissed. The club has already landed Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham in recent windows. Now they may look to resolve long-standing issues on the right wing, where Rodrygo has been used out of position. Saka’s technical, physical, and consistent profile makes him a natural fit.
Arsenal are expected to offer him an improved contract to remain the club’s top earner. But history suggests that when Madrid knocks, few ignore it, especially when the timing feels right.
Saka may have lit up the Bernabéu as a visitor. The question is how long before he returns as one of their own.
