Arsenal legend Paul Merson has warned Bukayo Saka that "he will find things harder" as his career progresses - which may be a problem for Mikel Arteta. The Hale End star has enjoyed his best season so far for the Gunners after scoring 13 goals and providing a further 10 assists in 38 appearances this term.
The English winger has been a driving force behind Arsenal's title charge, helping his side to an eight-point lead at the top of the table. It's not just at the Emirates Stadium where Saka is impressing, he has also shown he is capable of performing on the biggest stage after scoring three goals at the World Cup in Qatar.
The Daily Mail claim that Saka is set to become the best-paid player at the club on £300,000-per-week whilst another report suggests the club are ready to make an announcement regarding his new contract that will no doubt delight supporters and Arteta in particular. At the beginning of the year, football.london reported that Arsenal had actually activated a one-year extension option in Saka's contract - with his current deal now set to expire in 2024.
READ MORE: When Arsenal will confirm Bukayo Saka contract, £40m Kieran Tierney decision and Trossard impact
football.london reported last month that the 21-year-old had informed Arsenal of his desire to stay put thus handing Manchester City and Liverpool - two clubs that have been heavily linked with a move for the winger - a major blow heading into the summer transfer window. With Saka looking set to stay at Arsenal for the foreseeable future, Merson believes the winger will need to adapt his game as opposing players and teams look for ways to stop his impact on games.
"The problem he will find is because of the position he plays he will find things harder at some stage," Merson told Sky Sports. "As he becomes more well known, teams will put him on the radar a lot more.
"Teams will look to stop the ball getting to him and they will also double up on him very quickly. He will have to change his game again to combat that, but he has the temperament to handle that."
Merson went on to heap praise on the Hale End star and highlighted a key trait Saka has that is helped turn Arsenal into Premier League title challengers. "But he just loves football," added Merson.
"All he wants is to play football and he plays the game with a smile on his face. He has all the ingredients to go as far as he wants in the game.
"Saka is a big moment player, and he produces at crucial times in big football matches. He's not the player that gets a hat-trick against a side bottom of the league or he's not grabbing the seventh goal in a 7-0 win.
"At Arsenal, he's getting the first goal, the equaliser or the winner. He's getting assists at crucial moments.
"He's a big occasion player and there are not a lot of them around. There are players that will do a lot of things in games, but they won't be in the most important part of the game. Saka does do that, however, on a weekly basis."
READ NEXT:
Arsenal are six steps away from the perfect international break as William Saliba wait continues
Thomas Partey injury concern reiterates Arsenal transfer mission to sign Declan Rice this summer
Stunning new Arsenal kit design emerges for 2023/24 home shirt with Premier League prediction
William Saliba, Thomas Partey: Arsenal injury news and return dates ahead of Leeds United
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
