“He has better dribbling skills, more imaginative” - Arsenal legend Robert Pires claims Bukayo Saka isn't as good as 22-year-old Premier League star
Former Arsenal star Robert Pires believes Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku is better than Bukayo Saka. The comments from the Gunners legend may seem a little surprising given the England international's performances for the north Londoners in the last couple of seasons.
Last campaign, the 23-year-old left-footed wide player scored 20 goals and bagged 14 assists in 47 appearances across competitions. He's also started the new season well, having scored once and assisted thrice in three Premier League matches.
On the other hand, Doku managed to find the net seven times and assisted on 11 occasions in 45 appearances across competitions. He's started every match of the new campaign but has yet to register a goal contribution.
Despite this, Pires said (via SPORTbible):
"Bukayo still lacks a certain level of consistency. In my opinion, Jeremy Doku is a bit better. He has better dribbling skills and is more imaginative."
Saka is one the most important players in the Arsenal squad and has also been nominated for the Ballon d'Or award this year. Overall, he's played 229 matches across competitions for the Gunners, bagging 59 goals and 56 assists.
He's an undoubted starter on the right wing for Mikel Arteta and will be expected to play there on Sunday against Tottenham Hotspur (September 15). Meanwhile, Doku faces competition at the Etihad from Jack Grealish, Bernardo Silva, and Savinho for a place in wide areas.
The Belgian attacker is likely to feature in the starting XI for the Cityzens when they face Brentford on Saturday (September 14).
Arsenal preparing a new long-term contract for Bukayo Saka- Reports
Arsenal are reportedly planning on offering Bukayo Saka a new long-term contract, given his importance to the Gunners squad. The report comes from the Daily Mail, who also state that nothing has been agreed upon as of yet (via Sky Sports).
However, this report clarifies that all concerned parties are willing to finalise a deal which will see the English winger pocket £10 million a year. Saka, who still has three years left on his current contract at the Emirates would then most likely become the highest paid player at the club.
Arsenal would love to tie him down, with Sky Sports suggesting that Manchester City are tracking the academy graduate. The Gunners would not want to lose him, with Saka also being the only established left-footed winger at the Emirates.
Raheem Sterling, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Martinelli are the other wide options in north London.