Had Bukayo Saka stayed fit at Arsenal last season, Mikel Arteta’s side might have achieved a lot more.
Unfortunately for Arsenal, Bukayo Saka was struck down by a serious hamstring injury in December, one that immediately required surgery.
Saka returned to the fold just in time to help Arsenal in their efforts to win the Champions League, but all other chances to win silverware had already elapsed.
Therefore, Arsenal are buying Noni Madueke from Chelsea this summer to perhaps take the pressure off of Saka somewhat, who probably has played too many games in the last few years.
Saka is a crucial regular for club and country, and Arsenal would be clever to preserve their star talent as much as possible over the season to come.
New Arsenal coach Gabriel Heinze has been working closely with Bukayo Saka
That being said, Saka might actually have the opportunity to take his game one step further at Arsenal over the next 12 months or so.
The 23-year-old has already reached the top of the game, but he’ll still want to improve by adding bits and pieces to his armoury.
And judging by pictures from Arsenal’s pre-season training camp in La Manga, Spain, new coach Gabriel Heinze could be pretty crucial in doing so.
Heinze has been pictured working quite closely with a few Arsenal players, a coach who Mikel Arteta has wanted to bring to the club for some time.
Gabriel Heinze talks to Bukayo Saka in Arsenal training.
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
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But in particular, Heinze has been pictured with Saka on several occasions during different sessions — a player he seems to be really keen to work with.
And if Heinze is able to add anything to Saka’s game, or even refine things areas where he already excels, it could be quite an exciting development for Arsenal fans.
Viktor Gyokeres can also take Bukayo Saka’s game to a new level
Of course, Saka will seemingly have a new attacker to work with at the Emirates as well next season — Arsenal are set to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP.
And perhaps the Swedish striker might enable Saka to hit new heights next season, a player who has already contributed so much during his 263 appearances for Arsenal.
Season Games Minutes Goals Assists
2021/22 43 3,359 12 7
2022/23 48 3,744 14 12
2023/24 47 3,865 20 17
2024/25 37 2,619 12 14
Bukayo Saka’s record over the last four seasons for Arsenal in all competitions.
Should Gyokeres be a hit at Arsenal, he might demand a lot of attention from opposition defenders next season, allowing Saka more room to cut inside on his left foot.
And in a similar vein, the Swede might provide Saka with more opportunities to register assists too — the Englishman has not often played with prolific number nines at Arsenal.
An exciting time to be an Arsenal fan, and Heinze will be worth his weight in gold if he’s able to help Saka unlock another level next term.