Mikel Arteta’s former ‘leader’ inspired Bukayo Saka, now he could spell bad news for Arsenal

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Mikel Arteta’s first Arsenal squad looks a lot different to his current crop of players.

Arteta took charge in 2019 following Unai Emery’s indifferent reign at the Emirates Stadium and only a few players remain at the club from when the Spaniard took charge.

William Saliba was out on loan when Arteta initially took charge and only made his Arsenal debut in August 2022 against Crystal Palace.

Reiss Nelson was named in Arteta’s first Arsenal starting line-up and faces an uncertain future at the Gunners. However, one of the club’s former ‘leaders’ has just made a move to Saudi Arabia and it could spell trouble…

READ MORE: 5 reasons for Arsenal fans to be positive in July 2025 ahead of pre-season

Alexandre Lacazette inspired Bukayo Saka at Arsenal

Speaking to Canal Plus back in April 2022, Alexandre Lacazette spoke of his ‘pride’ at being Arsenal captain and revealed how he instilled confidence into a young Bukayo Saka at the time.

As per the Standard, Lacazette stated: “I’m proud. It’s perhaps one of the seasons where I have the most responsibility within the team.

“I think I’m mature enough now for it. I maintain a good relationship between the squad and the staff. I try to bring the most confidence possible to my partners.

“Last year, I had said to Bukayo to play how he wants, that if we lost, I would take responsibility and that he shouldn’t worry. Then, we played a great game and he scored. He said to me, ‘When you told me that, it really helped me’. So yeah, it’s nice.”

Arsenal signed Lacazette on 5 July 2017 for a then club-record fee of £46.5m before the French striker eventually moved back to Lyon on a free transfer in the summer of 2022.

Nacho Monreal was a fan of Lacazette and supporters look back on his time in North London with fondness over a player that gave his all for the club.

Alexandre Lacazette makes Saudi Arabia move

Lacazette has signed for Saudi Arabian side Neom SC after Lyon’s relegation to the second tier of the French leagues.

Al Nassr have made ‘contacts’ with Rodrygo amid interest in the Real Madrid from Andrea Berta but it could be part of a transfer game from the Saudi club.

Gabriel Martinelli is wanted by Al Nassr and with Cristiano Ronaldo now pulling some strings behind the scenes, it remains to be seen whether the Brazilian would be tempted by a move.

Should his former teammate Lacazette become a success over there, Martinelli’s temptation may grow and the Gunners could lose the 23-year-old.