Granit Xhaka shares what he thought of Bukayo Saka after his very first training session at Arsenal

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Granit Xhaka has been looking ahead to Sunderland versus Arsenal in the Premier League and has been discussing his former teammate, Bukayo Saka.

The Swiss international spent seven years at the Emirates Stadium, working under Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta.

Arteta has spoken fondly of Xhaka in the build-up to the match and credited the midfielder for helping him improve as a coach.

The 32-year-old played a key role in helping build the foundations of this current Arsenal team, which has seen them go from top-four contenders to Premier League title hopefuls.

But right now, Xhaka has been flying at Sunderland this season and is a strong contender for the Premier League signing of the season so far.

The experienced midfielder has now been looking forward to the Premier League clash and has been speaking about Saka.

Granit Xhaka was so impressed by Bukayo Saka at 16

Despite being 15, 16 years old, Granit Xhaka remembers still being so impressed by Bukayo Saka when he broke into the Arsenal first team.

The Swiss international first saw the Arsenal academy graduate on a pre-season tour in the United States, and instantly, he spotted the attacker’s ability.

Xhaka told Dan Godfrey: “It’s always good to have a strong academy. That’s number one. I remember Bukayo Saka coming through at Arsenal. He was 15 or 16 at the first training camp he had in America, and he was already quality, you know.

“This guy is special, and now he’s captaining the team with so many appearances. He has stayed humble as well, and he’s a big example for the new generation. Now other young players are following those steps, inspired by Bukayo.”

Saka, who could start in a new role against Sunderland, will be hoping to build on his goal against Slavia Prague and help fire the team to three points.

Saka will be annoyed with his performance against Burnley, and he will be looking to put that right at the Stadium of Light.

Granit Xhaka’s record playing with Bukayo Saka at Arsenal

Xhaka actually enjoyed an impressive record playing with Saka at Arsenal, with the pair lining up together on 140 occasions.

During their time together in North London, Xhaka and Saka helped the Gunners to 81 wins, 22 draws and 37 defeats.

The duo’s final season together was the 2022/23 campaign, in which Arteta’s team finished runners-up to Manchester City.

During that summer, Xhaka left for Bayer Leverkusen, where he went on to win the Bundesliga title, and he will now be hoping to cause a dent in Arsenal’s Premier League hopes.