Bukayo Saka will still be somewhat frustrated that his season was ruined at Arsenal last term owing to injury.
Before suffering a significant hamstring issue in December, one that almost kept him out for 100 days, Bukayo Saka was seemingly on course to beat Thierry Henry’s assist record at Arsenal.
Henry shares the record with Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne at 20 assists in a Premier League season, and Saka had 11 before the turn of the year.
Of course, Saka will hope to reignite that form next season when he’ll be hoping for an injury free campaign.
And owing to the duo’s rise over the last 12 months, Saka will be looking forward to playing alongside fellow Hale End graduates Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, two players who continued to rise to prominence even when many of Arsenal’s star players were missing.
Bukayo Saka can’t wait to watch Ethan Nwaneri ‘shine’
That being said, Saka spoke about both Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly at his England press conference ahead of Thomas Tuchel’s side facing Senegal.
Saka will likely feature alongside Lewis-Skelly on Tuesday evening, an 18-year-old who is already an important part of the England set-up at left-back.
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
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And owing to the strong impression Lewis-Skelly has already made on the international scene, Saka was asked about whether he might already be Tuchel’s best left-back.
Saka replied: “I don’t know, I think it’s early but you know me, I can only say positive things about Myles, I know him, I’ve seen his journey as he’s come through and yeah he’s a top talent, with a good mentality as well, lots of confidence.
“That’s why I believe he can come here and play the way he does. Big credit to him, I just hope he keeps progressing and keeps improving — it’s exciting to see what the future holds for him.”
And then ahead of Nwaneri playing for England U21s at the Euros this summer, Saka said he was ready to watch his fellow Hale End graduate ‘shine’.
He continued: “I have no doubts and Ethan is a top talent and I’m definitely looking forward to seeing him shine this summer.
“And I’m just wishing him the best, he knows I’m here if he needs me.”
Bukayo Saka needs Arsenal to sign Benjamin Sesko
Alongside his probable excitement to play alongside Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri, Saka might also be keeping a keen eye on Arsenal’s pursuit of a new striker.
Benjamin Sesko now has ‘universal backing’ at Arsenal, and perhaps he will prevail to be the player who sporting director Andrea Berta strikes a deal for.
And in terms of Saka chasing the Premier League assist record as mentioned, signing Sesko would be very beneficial for his cause.
Kai Havertz has been an excellent player for Saka to dovetail with, but Sesko would add a new dimension to Arsenal’s front line, a player who loves to crash the box with his runs.
Saka often cuts a frustrated figure on the wing when there’s not a striker with a poacher’s instinct running onto his crosses — something which might change if Sesko signs.
Interestingly, irrespective of Sesko signing or not, it seems as if Arsenal might have changed their Nwaneri plan moving forward, a significant development for the youngster.