Arsenal legend Tony Adams has compared Bukayo Saka to Lionel Messi thanks to the incredible season the young Englishman is having.
Saka is one of the Gunners’ brightest spark this season, just like he has been since his debut as a left wingback. Alongside Martin Ødegaard, Gabriel Martinelli and the injured Gabriel Jesus, he has made sure to put in a solid shift which has helped Arsenal secure top spot in the Premier League.
He also was one of the best performing players for the Three Lions at the just concluded 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He scored three goals as England made it to the quarter finals before they were knocked out by France.
He was a shoo-in for young player of the tournament but England’s exit at the quarter finals meant that he would be denied the opportunity to win the prestigious award in his maiden tournament.
Adams believes that the 21-year-old has enough talent and skill to be compared to World Cup winner Lionel Messi while predicting a bright future for the youngster.
Adams said: “I think player of the season is Saka. The kid is just phenomenal. I had a bit of a go at Gareth [Southgate] during the World Cup for taking him off. He’s every bit as good as Messi, Messi is obviously at the end of his career.
“Even when you question him and he missed his penalty at the Euros and he’s come back. Every time I see him he makes goals and scores goals. He’s a phenomenal footballer, the best player for England and the best player for the Arsenal.”
Meanwhile, reports have stated that Arsenal are eyeing Napoli man Hirving Lozano as an alternative to Mykhaylo Mudryk, whose signing is currently looking unattainable.
Shakhtar Donetsk will not listen to offers less than £80 million and Arsenal, who have had two bids rejected have now been joined by London rivals Chelsea in the pursuit of the 21-year-old.
Arsenal have now chosen to seek an alternative in Lozano while they work on Mudryk’s transfer.
Napoli want to extend the Mexican’s contract beyond its 2024 expiry date but the talks are not going well, with Lozano eyeing a move elsewhere. Arsenal are prepared to swoop in if the talks fail, according to reports.
Lozano wants to play in the Premier League and Arsenal could be the outlet for him to do just that. The transfer fee is still unknown, but he will be a good fit for the Gunners if Mudryk becomes unattainable.
