Bukayo Saka was magnificent for Arsenal during the start of the 2022/2023 campaign as the youngster played a major part in Arsenal’s early title charge. His impact on the team was epitomised by the fact that he was called up and used as a starter for England at the 2022 World Cup.
Towards the end of last season, the Englishman was viewed as one of the club's most valuable assets and his importance to the team has been epitomised by his impressive statistics this season. The winger has matched Kylian Mbappe's levels of attacking intent so far in this campaign.
Saka has recorded 98 progressive carries in the league this season. That is the third-most compared to any other player in Europe's top five leagues, as he sits level with Mbappe, whilst Vinicius Jr heads the list having made 126 progressive carries.
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Arsenal are pushing hard to tie Saka down to a new long-term contract. football.london understand the Gunners have activated a one-year extension option in his deal to take his stay until 2024 at the earliest, while talks are progressing positively over a new contract.
Following Arsenal's 3-0 win against Bournemouth in August, it meant that Saka became the second youngest player to reach 100 Premier League appearances, with Cesc Fabregas ranking above him.
The academy graduate is also in the top five for appearances made for Arsenal before turning 20, meaning he is above Arsenal legends such as David Rocastle and Liam Brady, and has been used more than any other player by Mikel Arteta since he took charge of the team in 2019, highlighting his importance to the side.
With Saka matching Mbappe's impressive attacking potency, it shows why Saka is regarded as one of the Premier League's most dangerous wingers having scored seven goals this season. If he continues to match Mbappe's statistics then it is a surety that more goals will come his way.
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