Arteta issues Saka warning – ‘He has room for improvement’

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on Bukayo Saka for his consistency but claims the youg star still has room for improvement.

Saka has been a key pillar in Arsenal’s Premier League success this term, with the side sitting eight points clear of second-placed Manchester City as they chase their first league title since 2003-04.

Only Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Tottenham’s Harry Kane have more combined goals and assists in the league this season, with Saka having netted 12 goals with 10 assists. Saka has also started all 28 of Arsenal’s league games this campaign.

“First of all, I think you have to recognise what he’s been doing,” Arteta told Sky Sports about 21-year-old Saka.

“The consistency he’s shown at his age and at this level is something rare to see. He’s taken it with normality.

“If you ask me if he has room for improvement, I would say: ‘Yes – a lot.’ He’s never satisfied, he always wants more and he can still do a lot of things better and more efficiently, but we are really pleased to have him.”

Talks are ongoing between Arsenal and Saka on a new deal, with his current contract due to expire in 2024.

Last week former Arsenal centre-back Kolo Toure urged the club to sign Saka on a 10-year deal to secure his long-term future.

Saka was outstanding for England at last year’s World Cup and netted in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Ukraine at Wembley.