Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is arguably Mikel Arteta's most important player at the Emirates Stadium. The Hale End graduate has made more appearances than any other Gunners player during Arteta's reign as manager, scoring the second-most goals (33) and providing the most assists (34) in his 149 appearances under the Spaniard.
Saka is currently having his best season for Arsenal as they challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title, with just 10 games left to play. The 21-year-old has matched Lionel Messi and Neymar in registering 10+ goals and 10+ assists in the 2022/23 campaign, highlighting his impressive displays this term.
Arsenal remain confident that Saka will commit his long-term future to the club despite his current deal being set to expire in 2024. His performances this season have led former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton has claimed that Saka is currently the world's best right winger, better than the likes of City star Riyad Mahrez and Liverpool's Mohamed Salah.
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Despite his brilliant displays for the Gunners this term, Arteta is facing a key concern regarding his star forward. Saka made 140 senior appearances before he turned 20 years old, more than Messi (65), Cristiano Ronaldo (107) and Eden Hazard (130).
The 21-year-old played over 10,000 minutes of football at an early stage of his budding career at senior level which may lead to problems later down the line. The sheer amount of football that Saka has played highlights the reason why Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar needs to sign a high quality player that can compete with the England star for a starting spot in Arteta's team.
Leandro Trossard's signing in the January transfer window has allowed Arteta to rotate his forward line and keep players fit, whilst also increasing the level of competition which has seen Gabriel Martinelli benefit and regain his brilliant form that he showed at the start of the season.
Reiss Nelson is currently playing back-up to Saka, whilst Brazilian talent Marquinhos is out on loan and still not at the required level to compete with the Hale End graduate. Edu needs to sign a player capable of maintaining a level of performance close to Saka when the England international is rested or Arteta looks to manage his fitness.
Opponents frequently foul the 21-year-old with Arteta calling for match officials to protect the Gunners forward in order to avoid him suffering a long-term injury. This was once again highlighted in England's 2-1 win against Italy after Saka was the victim of a number of poor tackles before he was eventually substituted in the 85th minute.
Saka will always be Arteta's number one choice to start at right-wing, but Edu needs to sign a capable back-up that can perform to a similar level of the 21-year-old - which in turn will help the Gunners continue to challenge for Premier League titles and in cup competitions. City have shown that by having strong squad depth it can help a team dominate domestically, whilst challenging in European competitions.
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