Edu gets timely reminder about the £100m star to save Arsenal millions in summer transfer window


The summer transfer window is in full swing and Arsenal have been linked with several names.

From Ben White to Dominic Calvert-Lewin, a number of players are being tipped to end up at the Emirates Stadium come deadline day at the end of August.

And whilst football.london have previously reported that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu are hopeful of strengthening in defence, midfield, and in between the sticks, there is talk of a new winger being on their radar.

Manchester City pair Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez immediately spring to mind amid suggestions that Pep Guardiola is planning to refresh his squad.

However, Arsenal are quite stocked in the wide areas with the likes of Nicolas Pepe, Gabriel Martinelli and captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang all capable of operating on the flanks.

As is Bukayo Saka.

The teenager, who is valued at €90m-€120m (£77m-£102m) via the CIES Football Observatory, did endure a rather difficult end to last season, failing to score in his final 14 Premier League appearances.

But in Saka’s defence, he was moved about by Arteta. At times he played as a right-winger, but was needed at left-back during Kieran Tierney’s absence and even played as a right-wing back in the 1-0 win at Chelsea.

It’s clear that Saka’s future is as a winger – whether that’s on the right or left remains to be seen – and amid talk of Arsenal signing a winger in the summer window, Edu has been handed a timely reminder that could see the club save millions.



England’s midfielder Bukayo Saka controls the ball during the UEFA EURO 2020 Group D football match between Czech Republic and England at Wembley Stadium in London on June 22, 2021. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / POOL / AFP) (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Having been handed a start in England’s final Euro 2020 Group D clash against the Czech Republic on Tuesday night, Saka turned in a performance to prove that he’s ready to reach the next level.

And it’s not just Arsenal fans on social media that are convinced that Saka is perfect for the right-wing role.



Arsenal and rival supporters heaped praise on Bukayo Saka against the Czech Republic. (Image: Twitter)
Arsenal and rival supporters heaped praise on Bukayo Saka against the Czech Republic. (Image: Twitter)


Arsenal and rival supporters heaped praise on Bukayo Saka against the Czech Republic. (Image: Twitter)
Arsenal and rival supporters heaped praise on Bukayo Saka against the Czech Republic. (Image: Twitter)


Arsenal and rival supporters heaped praise on Bukayo Saka against the Czech Republic. (Image: Twitter)
Arsenal and rival supporters heaped praise on Bukayo Saka against the Czech Republic. (Image: Twitter)

With that said, Arteta has revealed that his plan is to ensure Saka gets regular minutes in one position.

“He has played really well on occasions in the back four as a full-back. He’s been exceptional for me on the right wing and has been really good as a wing-back as well,” the Spaniard said last season.

“Having great versatility for him has made him a different player. He’s really intelligent and he can pick things up really very quickly.

The summer window is officially open, and it’s going to be tough to keep up with the comings and goings in and out of the Emirates.

By signing up to our newsletter here, you’ll be kept up to date on the latest news and rumours as they break, all in one place. You’ll also receive exclusive insight and articles from club writers Chris Wheatley and Kaya Kaynak, all for free.

We also want to hear from you. Create an account here in just a few moments, so you can have your say on all things Arsenal, join the debate and take part in exclusive Q&As as well.

“And we will mould him into the position we want him to play more and more.”

And after Saka’s performance against the Czechs, there’s little need for Arteta and Edu to priortise signing another winger especially with a reduced schedule next season as a result of not playing in Europe.

Instead addressing other areas in the squad to ease the burden on the 19-year-old next season, thus creating a platform for Saka to establish as one of the best wingers in the country should be the focus.





Source link