Bukayo Saka has been marvellous for Arsenal in their push for Champions League football this season. The England international has been one of the stand-out performers in the Premier League this season, showing that he continues to grow leaps and bounds from the previous campaign.
This has been epitomised by the fact that he has had the same impact on the Gunners that Kevin De Bruyne has for Manchester City from a creative point of view so far this season. He has been a handful for the opposition and arguably Arsenal’s most threatening player.
Saka’s excellent potential was clear from the moment that he graduated from the Hale End academy. However, the question posed at the time was whether he could turn his explosive pace and silky dribbling skills into goal conversions, which this season he has proved he can.
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Saka has created 52 chances from open play in the Premier League so far this season, meaning he ranks third in the Premier League. It also sees him level with Martin Odegaard and Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, who is considered as one of the best and most creative players in the division.
This is a testament to Saka’s excellent ability and the trust placed in him by Mikel Arteta. The youngster has had the responsibility to lead the Arsenal attack at times this season, and he has responded by fulfilling the task.
There have been questions surrounding Saka’s future at the Emirates, in particular recently as his contract situation is beginning to reach a precarious stage. This summer he will have just two years remaining on his current deal and is approaching the stage where a renewal must happen.
The Englishman is viewed as one of the club's most valuable assets and football.london understands that the Gunners have made extending the current contract of the youngster a key priority ahead of the summer transfer window. The 20-year-old is currently valued at £84m, according to CIES Football Observatory.
A lot of pressure has been heaped on the shoulders of Saka to carry Arsenal through tough situations despite his tender age and his style is key to Arsenal's improved fluency in attack. It has also led to him being the most used player under Arteta since he took control of the team in 2019.
The academy graduate is in the top five for appearances made for Arsenal before turning 20, meaning he is above club legends such as David Rocastle and Liam Brady. And this is because of how important he has been for the Gunners since breaking through into the first team.
The fact that Saka ranks among the best players in the Premier League for the chances he has created highlights his role in Arsenal’s push for a Champions League place next season. If the Gunners are to qualify for the elite European competition - and hold their own when they get there - then Saka will have to continue matching the creativity levels of De Bruyne.
