Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says Bukayo Saka is ‘struggling’ after emotional and physical toll of Euro 2020
ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta has revealed that Bukayo Saka is still dealing with the physical and emotional effect Euro 2020 had on him.
The 20-year-old's penalty miss for England in the European final followed by the racial abuse he was subjected to, still bears heavy on his shoulders, Arteta believes.
Although the winger is trying really hard to move forward, there's still room for him to improve, according to Arteta.
Saka's made five appearances for the Gunners this season and hasn't scored or made any assists so far.
He played the full 90 minutes in the trip to Burnley last weekend but didn't make any impact on the proceedings.
The Gunners won the game 1-0 due to a stunning free-kick from Martin Odegaard but Saka was one of the stars Arteta wanted more from.
Speaking to Football.London about Saka, the Spaniard said: "I think there are still things to improve there, but he is trying hard.
"He is another one who struggled in the final minutes.
“But it’s great that he’s able to suffer and somehow come through that and manage these difficulties and adversities during games where it is not really going for him."
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However, Arteta's happy with Saka because he's still trying although his performances haven't been up to scratch.
The 39-year-old added: "That is part of football. He had parts where he was brilliant and then he struggled and then he was brilliant again.
“That is better than being brilliant and then to struggle, struggle and struggle. So it’s part of his development and I’m really happy with him.
It's been reported that Arteta is so delighted with Saka's development at the club, that the youngster is considered 'untouchable' at the Emirates.
Several clubs are said to be interested in luring Saka away from the Gunners but they're not willing to sell him, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Speaking to the HereWeGo podcast, Romano said: “Some clubs are starting to approach Bukayo Saka, as he’s one of the best players in his position for the future.
“Arsenal consider him untouchable. They are planning to build on players like Saka.”