Whether it’s Mikel Arteta‘s robust style or years of endless minutes already catching up to him, Bukayo Saka‘s form has become an alarming concern for Arsenal.
In a season when they’re on course to become Premier League champions and perhaps more, he should be the main man. On the big stage, Arsenal’s frontline should flow through their leading talisman. Saka, however, has looked all too replaceable in the last six months.
The Gunners have good reason to believe that this is no longer a blip. The influence of the Hale End graduate is dwindling and that has never been more apparent than in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City.
Arsenal looking at Saka upgrade
Arsenal are learning the hard way that throwing a teenager into a side week in, week out and asking him to become the main man from the off can lead to some dire consequences. On paper, at 24 years old, Saka should be at the peak of his powers. The reality is, however, that he’s looked as leggy as a 28-year-old this season.
|
PL appearances at 24 |
|
|---|---|
|
Bukayo Saka |
222 |
|
Thierry Henry |
99 |
|
Wayne Rooney |
256 |
|
Harry Kane |
149 |
The Premier League has changed a lot for young players, but the fact that Saka has far more appearances than Henry did at this stage of his career should equally excite and concern fans.
It’s clear that the Arsenal graduate developed quicker than Henry, but when it comes to longevity, he’s already beginning to show signs of struggling.
At his very best, the 24-year-old scored 20 goals and created a further 17 in all competitions. That was two seasons ago and now he’s yet to reach double figures in either with only two months of the season remaining.
It hasn’t stopped Arsenal in their tracks this season, but they may not be able to say the same in the next and it’s, therefore, no surprise that a replacement could be on the way.
According to The Independent’s Miguel Delaney, Arsenal are exploring a move to sign Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
It notes that Arteta’s attack is going to get ‘special attention’ in the summer, with Kvaratskhelia just one exciting target. According to the report, the winger’s camp are understood to be ‘open to the idea’ of a move, although PSG would likely play hardball over such a key player. He is valued at around £78m by Transfermarkt but could fetch an even greater fee.
How Kvaratskhelia compares to Bukayo Saka
Where Saka is predictable, lethargic and far too reserved, Kvaratskhelia is creative, rapid and clinical. He is everything that Arsenal need their winger to be. He would be the ultimate answer to their open play struggles.
Some teams will pass low blocks to death, others like Arsenal will find a route courtesy of set pieces. Kvaratskhelia finds a route through individual brilliance and that’s the one ingredient that the Gunners are lacking in their hunt to become dominant for years to come.
|
25/26 Stats per 90 |
Kvaratskhelia |
Saka |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
2,148 |
2,869 |
|
Goals |
0.31 |
0.27 |
|
Assists |
0.23 |
0.13 |
|
Successful Dribbles |
2.41 |
2.20 |
|
Chances Created |
2.17 |
2.34 |
|
Touches in opposition box |
9.85 |
7.47 |
What’s most notable about Kvaratskhelia’s numbers this season is just how often he finds himself in the most dangerous areas. The PSG man takes 9.85 touches in the opposition box per. Combine that with his take-on success and it’s no wonder that he provides such a threat.
There is, of course, the argument that the winger is putting those numbers together in Ligue 1 compared to the Premier League, but his Champions League performances have also stood out – particularly against Chelsea.
Described as one of “the best attackers in the world” by CBS’ James Benge, Arsenal would be welcoming the signing of the summer if they secured Kvaratskhelia, a player with 12 goals and seven assists this season.
At 25 years old, the Georgian is at the peak of his powers and could turn the Gunners from set-piece specialists to open-play monsters. If Andrea Berta even senses a chance that he could secure a deal, then he must jump at the chance.
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