Theo Walcott names the current Arsenal star who is actually better than Robert Pires

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Theo Walcott has been ranking some of Arsenal’s best-ever players, and he has just picked a current Gunner ahead of Robert Pires.

Pires was so good at Arsenal, having played such an important role in helping the team to go invincible during the 2003/04 season.

During his time in North London, the Frenchman helped the Gunners to win two Premier League titles and three FA Cups.

Arsene Wenger signed the winger from Marseille back in 2000, and he went on to make 284 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 84 and assisting 63.

But, Theo Walcott now believes that one of Mikel Arteta’s current Arsenal players is better than the North London club’s legendary wide man.

Theo Walcott picks Bukayo Saka over Robert Pires

Theo Walcott has picked Bukayo Saka ahead of Robert Pires whilst doing a blind ranking of Arsenal legends.

Saka, who’s close to signing a new Arsenal contract, has firmly established himself as an Arsenal hero despite being only 24.

The Arsenal academy graduate has already made 203 appearances, with 55 goals and 51 assists for the North Londoners.

Previously, Sol Campbell picked Pires over Saka, going in favour of his former Invincibles teammate.

But for Walcott, he believes Saka has already surpassed Pires’ legacy at Arsenal, ranking him fourth and the French legend at seven.

The former Arsenal winger’s list also saw him pick Wenger as number one, Dennis Bergkamp number two, Thierry Henry third and Ian Wright in at fourth.

Walcott was not best pleased that Henry was given to him last, and suggests he would have picked him ahead of Bergkamp instead.

Robert Pires is a huge fan of Bukayo Saka

Back in March 2025, Pires called Saka one of Europe’s best and admitted that he is a huge fan of the current Arsenal ace.

 Speaking to The Athletic, Pires admitted: “Bukayo Saka is one of the best players in Europe in his position.

“He has that ability to always get past his opponent. As soon as he receives the ball, if he sees that there’s space behind the defender, he goes for it.

“I also think he’s progressed a huge amount in his off-the-ball work. He always offers a pass when a team-mate’s on the ball.”