Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has now signed a new three year contract to keep him at the club, and Bukayo Saka is clearly delighted.
Under Arteta, Arsenal have become title-contenders, and Saka has developed into a world-class player after nearly five years of playing under the Spaniard.
Saka initially broke into the team under Unai Emery, but it was Arteta who transformed him into the player he is today. The England star initially started as a left-back, before moving to the left-wing, and later the right, where he continues to thrive.
The 23-year-old has now given extra insight into how Arteta has helped him develop at Arsenal, and revealed his happiness at his manager’s new contract.
Bukayo Saka reveals conversations with Mikel Arteta
Speaking to BEIN Sports, Saka revealed that he has a conversation with Arteta over his role each year, whilst his status in the side continues to increase.
“Mikel? Oh yeah, it was a nice moment. Congratulations to him and his staff, and yeah I’m really happy and I believe he’s the right man, and the progress he’s made in taking this club forward and stuff like that has been immense, so credit to him,” Saka stated of Arteta’s new contract.
“Congratulations to him and hopefully, it’s going to come with some more success.
“I think he’s an incredible leader and he inspires us you know with his team talks, when he pulls you to the side and he speaks to you, the details he gives you here and there.
“I think for myself each year, I have a conversation with him at the start of the season, and he just talks to me about my role in the team and, obviously each year it’s been increasing and increasing.”
Bukayo Saka is now a key Arsenal figure for Mikel Arteta
Although Arsenal’s main leaders are captain Martin Odegaard and midfielder Declan Rice, Saka is also a key figurehead, as the talisman of the team.
Saka’s status as a homegrown superstar, and Arsenal’s key attacking threat, also makes him a leader within the squad.
He is now the longest-serving player in the team, and if both Rice and Odegaard are absent for the upcoming North London derby, Saka will be the favourite to wear the captain’s armband.
Arteta is well aware of Saka’s importance, and he has made him a crucial part of the Arsenal squad, and an undroppable player in the attack.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
