Arsenal youngster Bukayo Saka is not going to give his place up without a fight.
Arsenal teenager Bukayo Saka is ready to challenge Alexandre Lacazette for a starting place. The 18-year-old is confident that he has shown Unai Emery that he can be trusted.
Saka has started the last three Premier League games and is no doubt hoping to make it four against Sheff Utd. Lacazette is obviously looking to slot straight back in now that he has recovered from his ankle injury.
The youngster has done very little wrong and has been impressive and is ready for the more experienced Frenchman.
Saka said: “Do I feel ready to challenge him? Yeah!
“It’s always good to have all our best players available, all of us competing makes us push to play better and better. If one player is injured then others get an opportunity but I want everyone to come back and do the best for Arsenal.
“The boss knows what I can do, what the other players can do. Different games require different players but I feel like I’ve shown the boss he can trust me. Whatever game he puts me I’ll always give it my all.
“It has always been a dream for me. I’ve been working for this moment as a kid, in the academy. Now I’ve got to the first team I just want to give it my best to repay the faith the boss has given me.”
It is very positive that Arsenal has youngsters challenging the senior players, however, I suspect that Saka will need to be patient.
Lacazette is at his peak, he is playing fantastic football and there is very little chance he will be dropped.
If I had to place a bet I would put my money on Saka replacing Pepe before Lacazette.