Mikel Arteta has worked with a huge number of players during his time at Arsenal.
Some were inherited from Arsene Wenger and Unai Emery’s squads, while many others were brought to the club specifically by the Spaniard himself.
However, very few players have been as important to Arteta’s journey at Arsenal as Bukayo Saka.
The Hale End graduate has been there from the very beginning of Arteta’s reign and has developed into one of the best players in world football.
Now, the Arsenal manager has admitted that he feels incredibly fortunate to have someone like Saka at the club.
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Mikel Arteta says he is ‘lucky’ that Bukayo Saka plays for Arsenal
Saka has become the face of this Arsenal side over the last few years.
Whether it is delivering in huge games, carrying the team through difficult moments or setting standards off the pitch, the winger has done it all.
Despite still being relatively young, Saka already looks like one of the leaders inside Mikel Arteta’s dressing room.
His performances have been extraordinary, but what impresses Arteta even more is the person he is away from football.
The Arsenal boss made it clear that Saka’s character and values are a huge part of why he is so admired at the club.
He said, as per Arsenal.com: “A joy (to work with him). I feel extremely lucky.
“I said it from the beginning, to find somebody at the club that you can lean into at any level, knowing that he’s going to respond, knowing that his heart is in the right place, knowing that everything that he does comes from certain values, certain education, certain principles, it has been a joy!
“On the human level, I think we know him. And on the football level, what he has provided to this club, and what he did the other night, is just remarkable.”
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Bukayo Saka could cement his legacy as an Arsenal legend in just a few weeks
Saka is already adored by Arsenal supporters, but the next few weeks could elevate him into an entirely different category.
The Gunners are currently top of the Premier League and are also preparing for a Champions League final against PSG.
If Arsenal manage to win both trophies, this squad will go down as one of the greatest in the club’s history.
Saka, as the face of the team and the player who constantly delivers in the biggest moments, would instantly cement his status as a genuine Arsenal legend.
At that point, he would not just be one of the best Hale End graduates ever – he would be remembered alongside the greatest players the club has ever had.
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