Arsenal have their own 'Lionel Messi' to help Mikel Arteta follow in Arsene Wenger's footsteps and lift the Premier League trophy. The Gunners hold an eight-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the table heading into the international break with just 10 games left to play.
City have been dealt a major injury blow this week as Erling Haaland had to be withdrawn from Norway's squad to face Spain and Georgia. The 22-year-old has scored 42 goals for Pep Guardiola's side in all competitions but could now be set for a period of time on the sidelines after sustaining a groin injury.
Arsenal stars Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka are among those in Arteta's squad that have been selected for international duty. The Hale End graduate joined the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar, Kvicha Kvaratskhelia and Randal Kolo Muani in being the only players to register 10+ goals and 10+ assists this season.
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Saka has been Arsenal's talisman for the past two seasons but has stepped up his performances in the 2022/23 campaign as he aims to help his boyhood club win the Premier League for the first time in 19 years. The 21-year-old winger was influential in helping the Gunners move eight points clear at the top of the table on Sunday afternoon, scoring twice and grabbing an assist in the 4-1 win against Crystal Palace.
Saka’s 22 combined Premier League goals and assists this season has seen him surpass Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs’ best-ever Premier League goal contribution tally. Only Gareth Bale, Sadio Mane and Leroy Sane had higher totals of goals and assists in a season - yet there is still 10 games to go.
The England international is certainly taking the most responsibility in attack for Arsenal, similar to how Messi performs for Argentina and how he led Barcelona to success during his time at Camp Nou. Saka continues to improve and get better season-by-season yet his future at the Emirates Stadium remains uncertain.
The Gunners are confident that they can agree a new long-term deal with the Hale End star despite his contract set to expire at the end of next season. Liverpool and Manchester City both hold a firm interest in poaching Saka from the Emirates Stadium, but it is thought an agreement between Arsenal and the player will be reached soon enough.
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