What the French media are saying about Bukayo Saka after watching him vs PSG in the Champions League

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Arsenal bowed out of the Champions League after losing to Paris Saint-Germain.

Mikel Arteta’s side were arguably the better team over the two legs, but they failed to finish their chances, and that cost them the dream of reaching the final.

Despite the defeat, there are a few positives to take for Arteta and his coaching staff. The way they dominated PSG in the first 20 minutes of the game, the unity the players showed, and the way they kept trying until the end are all great to see.

Quite a few players deserve praise too, but none more than Bukayo Saka, who, according to the French media, was Arsenal’s best player against PSG.

French media react to Arsenal star Bukayo Saka’s performance vs PSG

Saka tried really hard to help Arsenal get back in the tie against PSG.

The Englishman is one of the best players in the world, and even though it’s clear to see that he isn’t 100 per cent fit yet, he is doing everything he can.

However, Saka got little support from his teammates on Wednesday night. He was often left alone against two and sometimes three PSG players, and there was no way past them.

Yet, the Arsenal number seven created problems and even managed to score in the second half. Yes, Saka missed a sitter soon after, but he did more than everyone else – the French press have highlighted that.

Foot Mercato gave Saka a 6/10 rating and wrote: “Once again, Bukayo Saka seemed too alone offensively at Arsenal. The young winger provoked a lot, centred a lot, without finding a target, like on this ball which flew past Merino.

“He stumbled against the Italian goalkeeper on a well-hit shot, but was rewarded after a cross from Trossard, deflected by the Parisian defence, led to Saka eliminating Donnarumma. He even came close to equalising but completely missed the empty goal after a failed exit from the Parisian goalkeeper.”

MaxiFoot rated him 7/10 and said: “The right winger was Arsenal’s best player. In almost all the good moments, the Englishman made a lot of difference in his outbursts.

Donnarumma diverted his shot, which was heading towards the top corner, but he was rewarded for his efforts by scoring the Gunners’ only goal in this game. He came close to the double a few minutes later, but he was surprised to see the ball land on his foot in front of the empty goal.”

Homme du Match also gave Saka a 7/10 and wrote: “A fairly complicated match for the English winger. Facing Mendes, he struggled to gain the upper hand one-on-one. He still tried to accelerate, overflow, dribble and cross. 15 minutes from time, he revived the suspense a little by scoring a somewhat lucky goal, but missed a huge opportunity a few minutes later.”

The common theme from the three French media outlets’ reviews is that Saka was Arsenal’s highest-rated player. That shows you the level he was at against PSG.

Arsenal will be at risk of losing Bukayo Saka if they don’t change

Saka loves Arsenal, there is no doubt about that.

The Englishman came through the ranks in the club’s academy and is a massive player today for the team he supported as a kid.

But, every top player has big ambitions, and the Arsenal number seven is no different.

Saka has already expressed his desire to win big trophies, but so far, he only has an FA Cup and a couple of Community Shields to his name.

If that doesn’t change next season, there’s every chance that the 23-year-old will consider his future because every big club in the world would take him if he became available.

The Arsenal board need to show some ambition this summer – not just to help win trophies but also to prove to Saka that they will do everything they can to bring success to the club.

If they don’t show any ambition, why would Saka want to stay there forever?