Arsenal: Bukayo Saka deserves 'a lot of credit' insists Arteta
Arsenal are trying to tie down Bukayo Saka to a new five-year contract amid interest from Manchester United and Liverpool. He has enjoyed a breakthrough season at the Emirates this season.
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“He deserves a lot of credit for the way he is playing, because he is playing with a lot of courage as well,” Arteta explained.
“You could see the other night that in difficult moments he wanted to make an impact and he wanted to make risky decisions to try to generate goals. And that’s been him.
“He’s been very consistent with his performance, which at that age normally is not a common thing, but yes, I’m really pleased with him.”
Arsenal return to action tonight when they take on Portsmouth in the FA Cup fifth round (7.45pm).
Arsenal news: Mikel Arteta has been impressed with Bukayo Saka (Image: GETTY)
Saka recently admitted he had no idea if he would make it as a professional footballer with Arsenal.
“I just enjoyed playing, but I don't think I ever really thought I was going to make it to the first team until I actually signed my first professional contract when I turned 17,” he said.
“You go through the youth teams, year by year, and you see all these great players around you - some of them could be the best in the year - and slowly they are all let go, to other clubs or even stopping completely.
“So you could never be sure that you would make it, but what I said to myself is that I would always give my best in every single session.”