Manchester United legend Roy Keane believes Bukayo Saka could play for ‘any of the big teams in England and Europe’.
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Saka has been in scintillating run for Arsenal this season, scoring seven goals and providing a further four assists in just 23 appearances in all competitions.
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The 20-year-old failed to make the difference in the shock 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Nottingham Forest, but did create an excellent goalscoring opportunity twice for Eddie Nketiah which the latter failed to put in net.
While on punditry duty for ITV, Keane heaped praise on Saka for both his ability on the pitch, and the way he conducts himself off it.
Keane said: “He can play for any of the big teams in England and Europe.
“I think he’s a special talent. He’s got that ability to beat a man, make something happen.
Bukayo Saka of Arsenal breaks past Bernardo Silva of Man City during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on January 01, 2022 in London, England. (Photo Getty Images)
“And what I like about him, when he speaks, he seems a humble kid so he’s got a chance of becoming a great, great player. He’s got that talent.”
The 20 year old has been in fine form this season with six goals and four assists in 21 appearances.
His form last season helped earn Saka the call up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad where he managed to force his way into the starting XI during the Euro 2020 tournament.
The recent reports claimed that Saka could be tempted by the prospect of moving to Liverpool.
Saka signed a new deal with Arsenal in the summer of 2020, but prior to his contract extension he was linked with Liverpool for the first time.
Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has seen reports linking Saka with a move to Anfield, and has backed his old club to make a deal happen but warned that a deal to sign Saka would not be easy for Liverpool to get over the line.
“I do think it’ll be an expensive transfer to pull off because Arsenal wouldn’t want to sell one of their best players to a rival,”
However, Arteta has taken the speculation as a compliment of his side’s work.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference, Arteta said:
“I think that’s great news when you have a lot of talk and people willing for you players, it’s a really good sign.
“They should be proud because that means they are doing extremely good work. I am really happy with Bukayo, and with what he’s doing, with how he’s development and the importance he has on the team.
“Most importantly with the impact that he’s able to make in each game. This is something that we want to keep improving in each game, because he has the capacity to do it.”
Saka penned a new deal with Arsenal in the summer of 2020 and still has two-and-a-half years left to run on that existing contract.
On Thursday, Arsenal travel to Anfield to face Liverpool in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final tie.