Bukayo Saka has enjoyed an incredible success at Arsenal since his first appearance under Unai Emery.
Saka made his debut back in 2018 in a Europa League tie and has gone from strength to strength ever since.
The Hale End graduate has quickly earned a reputation as one of Europe’s hottest prospects and is mentioned alongside the likes of Mohamed Salah as the deadliest wingers in the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta relies heavily on Saka and his absence through hamstring surgery was felt last campaign as the Gunners struggled to fire up top. However, the 23-year-old may be about to experience his first real bump in the road at the Emirates.
Arsenal are in talks with Chelsea over Noni Madueke and are desperate to add the England international to their ranks ahead of the new campaign.
Whilst Madueke can play on the left flank, his predominant position is on the right and enjoyed success there last season at Stamford Bridge.
Saka has been Arsenal’s first-choice right winger ever since Arteta’s first full season at the club in 2020-21 but has rarely faced such stiff competition for his place.
It will now be interesting to see whether Madueke’s arrival raises Saka’s game to another level or whether the pressure affects his game.
Arsenal supporters will be keen to point out that Saka has a fantastic attitude and is ready to produce his best season yet in order to end the club’s trophy drought.
However, it is an emotion he has rarely experienced during his time in North London with the likes of Reiss Nelson and Fabio Vieira’s inability to compete with the Gunners’ star.
Gary Lineker is intrigued by Madueke’s links to Arsenal and the burning question if the deal goes through will be around where Arteta intends to use the Chelsea man.
The Gunners need more fluidity and creativity in their attack next season and Madueke’s introduction could bring that with his ability to take defenders on and commit opponents.
It could open up space for the likes of Saka and Martin Odegaard to operate more freely. There is also the possibility that Arteta is learning from his mistake of his over-reliance on the Hale End star.
Madueke would represent an excellent back-up option for Saka when the time comes for the need of rotation in the side.
