An Arsenal legend has stated that a Manchester City player is superior to Bukayo Saka, but not on the same level as Mohamed Salah.
Robert Pires believes there’s a Manchester City winger better than Bukayo Saka – and, surprisingly, it’s not Jack Grealish.
The Arsenal ace has played a key role in Mikel Arteta’s side for a while now, from bursting onto the scene as a left-back to competing for the Premier League Golden Boot.
Despite Saka’s best efforts, the Gunners missed out on the title on the final day of the season to Manchester City. The England international started all but three of Arsenal’s games in the top flight this term, scoring 16 goals and providing nine assists.
Not only has he established himself as a mainstay in the north Londoners’ starting lineup, but he’s also become a regular fixture in the England squad. Saka, who sees his contract at the Emirates Stadium expire in 2027, has enjoyed a spectacular rise to superstardom over the years, yet Pires believes there’s room for improvement.
Speaking to French outlet Blue Sport on Tik Tok, the Arsenal legend was quizzed on the Premier League’s best players. At first, Pires backed Saka as a better winger than Gabriel Martinelli, Marcus Rashford, Jack Grealish and, then after much deliberation, Son Heung-min.
The Frenchman was then presented with Jeremy Doku, who joined Manchester City last year. Pires named the Belgium international as a better winger than Saka and Leandro Trossard before crowning Mohamed Salah as the top flight’s best winger.
Ironically, Pires has previously named Saka as somebody who would get into the Gunners’ famed ‘Invincibles’ XI. Speaking to The Telegraph in February 2023, he said: “I honestly think the Arsenal of 2004 would beat the Arsenal of 2023.
“I feel sorry for the kids now, but I’ve no doubt. I think the fans will give you the same answer: [Jens] Lehmann, Lauren, [William] Saliba, [Sol] Campbell, [Ashley] Cole, [Patrick] Vieira, Gilberto Silva, [Martin] Odegaard, Saka, [Dennis] Bergkamp and [Thierry] Henry.”
Pires added: “When I see this Arsenal it reminds me of the Arsenal of my time. To play well you need talent and now they have it. This squad is built to attack, and this Arsenal is entertaining me.
“Arsenal have won against big rivals and they have enough character. The problem is that they are a young team, with little experience. I’m talking about competing for the Premier League.”
Following the Frenchman’s comments, Arteta proceeded to bolster his squad with experience in the summer of 2023, welcoming Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber to the club on permanent deals.