Bukayo Saka has recently signed a new long-term contract at Arsenal, but questions are already being raised about whether that decision could prove to be a risk for the club. While he remains one of the most talented players in the squad, his recent performances have led to growing scrutiny.
Saka has not consistently reached the high standards he previously set, and there is a belief among some observers that he has struggled to rediscover his best form following injury setbacks. Fitness issues have disrupted his rhythm, and since returning from his most recent layoff, he has not appeared as influential as before.
Concerns over form and fitness
Injuries have been a recurring issue, affecting both his availability and overall performance level. There are concerns that he has taken longer than expected to regain sharpness, which has impacted his output on the pitch. This has led to speculation about whether he can return to his peak form in the near future.
Statistically, there has been a noticeable decline. Since the 2023 to 2024 season, Saka has not produced the same level of goal contributions, recording 16 goal involvements in the Premier League last term. In the current campaign, he has managed only nine, with injuries continuing to disrupt his progress.
Long-term decision under scrutiny
Despite these concerns, Saka’s quality is not in doubt, and he remains a key figure within the Arsenal squad. However, the decision to commit to a long-term contract has prompted debate, particularly if his performances do not improve in the coming months.
Arsenal will be hoping that, with improved fitness and consistency, he can rediscover the form that made him one of the most effective attackers in the league. If he continues to struggle, however, the contract decision may come under increasing scrutiny as the club evaluates its long-term planning.
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Not going to sit here and make excuses for him, he hasn’t been at his best.
But we need to also take into account the injuries, as well as the fact that he gets double marked every time.
I also think our recent style of play has also had an effect.
However if you want to be classified as a world-class player, you need to adapt.
I hope he comes right during the run in.
Why is there a debate about his long term commitment, yet that is what Arsenal fans wanted?
As for his form. Yes, he has not been at his best. But form is temporary.
Maybe he will better in the coming seasons, just like Salah and KDB. They were useless players at Chelsea, only to come back and terrorise EPL
He needs a break without being injured . He has been solidly playing non stop averaging a game every 3 days for 5 years and he is still only 24 .
As this season draws to a close he will be off to the World cup and get about 2 weeks rest before next season starts.
My worry is it also seems he’s lost a few yards of pace, I haven’t seen him crack on a sprint in a while.
This rings two things for me. Firstly maybe he’s worried about injuries ahead of a World Cup, secondly maybe he has been instructed to play this way, slow the game down etc.
Maybe, but we’ve still got Madueke and Dowman if Saka has to move to a central position
Madueke is surely way more experienced than Saka, hence the risk-taking difference
Saka has been spending most of his football career at Arsenal, whereas Arsenal is Madueke’s fifth club
Arteta should play Madueke ahead of Saka for a while. Perhaps Saka can get a new motivation and energy to reclaim his position after a short break
Saka only has himself to look at for motivation to further develop to take his football a level higher. He seems to think he has done enough in his short career, and that’s his shortfall.
He’s lacking in ambition and that’s stunting his growth. He struggles to play with intensity and seems selective on who his ball supply will go to. I hope he watched Goykerese this past week.
He’s not been in top form this year for sure but he is still our 2nd top goalscorer this year which adds some perspective. Hes our top dribbler per min ahead of Madueke, is joint with Rice for chances created per min, is our most fouled player per min and has the 2nd xg per min behind Gyokeres. Hes top for tackles and interceptions oer min both out of all the attackers/cams. Hes not been awful at all just hasn’t been sensational.
What did you expect when he was played like a horse instead of human being from the manager who does not realize he has 25 players at his disposal instead of only 11?
With how he likes to run players to the ground until they get injured or lose form completely, I wonder why he didn’t consider a career as a racehorse trainer.
Saka is a fantastic player and our best attacker
He is only 24 years old
His current form is only temporary
He will get back to his best form next season or maybe earlier
As this page is about an academy player.
Can I just say that it was today back on March 31st 2001 that my favorite player past and present and will always be, the late and great David Rocastle passed away.
What a player and person he was. A fierce competitor along with silky skills on the pitch, and a thoroughly decent gentleman off the pitch.
Sadly missed by me and no doubt many others. My thoughts are with his friends and family today.
Rest in peace, ROCKY.
How similar to rashford’s situation too .. firing all cylinders before new contract.. then … Boom! New long term contract, more money and the impetus to work harder is lost… Arteta should kick saka in the butt to wake him from his slumber by benching him .