Arsenal’s key player Bukayo Saka said that some of his former Hale End colleagues departed during the summer transfer window, and he confesses that he is already missing some of his old teammates.
Bukayo Saka is already lamenting the departure of Hale End grads Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah, and Reiss Nelson following their exit from Arsenal this summer.
Smith Rowe received approval to go to Fulham in a club-record £27 million deal last month, thereafter joined by Nelson, who was loaned to Craven Cottage.
Nketiah was released by the Gunners and signed with Crystal Palace on deadline day as the club aimed to recover finances in the transfer market after investing heavily in permanent acquisitions of David Raya, Riccardo Calafiori, and Mikel Merino.
Saka was more familiar with the departing three than others, having advanced through the academy levels and joined the senior team with them. Although he believes they will all gain from their actions, he concedes that they have been overlooked.
Saka said on the Men in Blazers podcast that he had somewhat missed his former teammates. “Since my arrival in the first team, they have treated me as if I were their younger brother, welcoming me warmly and providing support.”
“It was challenging to witness their departure; however, I am genuinely pleased for them, as they are three exceptional players of considerable quality, and I am confident they will excel in the Premier League this season.”
Although Saka lamented the departure of his fellow academy graduates, the Gunners enhanced their roster with the acquisition of Raheem Sterling from Chelsea on deadline day.
The 82-cap England international was sidelined by Chelsea prior to the transfer deadline and subsequently acquired on a season-long loan by Arteta, who had previously said that he was improbable to pursue the player he had collaborated with at Manchester City.
Saka, familiar with Sterling’s capabilities from their national team experience, anticipates that he will demonstrate to be a wise acquisition as the season progresses.
Saka expressed his pleasure at Sterling’s presence. I am aware of his quality; I have played with him for England and observed him for years.
“I am well-acquainted with Raz and hope he can contribute his unique attributes to the team and assist us in achieving victory.”
