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Football London
Football London
Sport
Kieran Horn

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka given major Real Madrid transfer incentive with Ballon d'Or claim

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka hit double figures for goals this season following his opener in the Gunners' commanding 4-0 victory against Everton in the Premier League. A third consecutive win has firmly given Mikel Arteta's men the title advantage over Manchester City with five points now separating the two teams.

Following his goal against the Toffees, Saka is just one away from matching last season's tally with at least 15 games in left to play in all competitions. Gabriel Martinelli's brace also pushed him into double figures and made him the outright top scorer in north London this campaign.

"Credit to them [Martinelli and Saka] they have to do it themselves but we try to help them with our way of playing and get them into those positions as much as possible," Arteta said. "They are willing to learn and asking for more and more every day. They never have enough information, they want more , and the practice. And when you have that and the talent good things will happen."

READ MORE: Arsenal players brutally claimed teammate was 'League-One level' before breakout season

One of Edu's main priorities for this season was tying down Saka, Martinelli and William Saliba to new contracts. Martinelli signed his extension at the start of last month while Saka has told the club that he wants to stay as the Gunners close in on securing a new contract for the Hale End graduate, football.london understands.

Prior to the major contract breakthrough, European champions Real Madrid were keeping a close eye on Saka with Carlo Ancelotti asking bosses at Los Blancos to pursue the England international, according to TEAMtalk.

Saka put in yet another hugely impressive display grabbing an assist alongside his goal to help Arsenal move five points clear at the top. That performance could have alerted Real Madrid further and Saka could also one day be tempted by a move to the Spanish capital.

"Saka is one of the best wingers in the world," Jay Bothroyd said on Sky Sports, via Football Daily. "He doesn't get enough praise. If he was playing for Real Madrid or Barcelona he would be up for the Ballon d'Or. He's been fantastic this year and he's such a young player as well. He is Arsenal's talisman and he's made a big difference [against Everton]."

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