Bukayo Saka: Arsenal’s New Sánchez and a Legend in the Making Under Arteta
Arsenal is no stranger to legendary wide attackers—think Thierry Henry, Robert Pires, and more recently, Alexis Sánchez. But now, under the steady guidance of Mikel Arteta, it’s clear that Bukayo Saka is stepping into those elite footsteps, not just as a key player, but as a true “legend in the making.” Some are even calling him the new Sánchez—and while comparisons are always imperfect, there’s a compelling case to be made.
At just 24, Saka has already achieved what many players spend a career chasing. Since breaking into the first team, he’s consistently improved year on year, becoming the heart of Arsenal’s attack. His numbers tell part of the story: Saka recently became the first Arsenal player since Sánchez to register 10+ goals and 10+ assists in multiple consecutive seasons across all competitions. That’s not just good—it’s elite.
During the 2024/25 season, Saka posted 10 goals and 14 assists in just 27 appearances, despite missing over three months of action. That’s a goal involvement every 82 minutes—an extraordinary rate that even Sánchez, in his prime, would respect. And let’s not forget, this is all coming from a player who also contributes defensively, presses relentlessly, and is one of the most fouled players in the league. He’s not just producing; he’s fighting.
What makes the Sánchez comparison especially striking is their shared explosiveness and versatility. Like Sánchez, Saka is equally dangerous on the right wing as he is cutting inside. He’s direct, fearless, and often Arsenal’s most dangerous outlet when games get tight. But unlike Sánchez, who arrived at Arsenal after stints with Udinese and Barcelona, Saka is a Hale End product—a homegrown talent who represents the club’s identity on and off the pitch. That emotional connection with the fans gives him a platform that Sánchez never quite reached, despite his brilliance.
Mikel Arteta deserves credit for fostering this development. Under his system, Saka has matured not just tactically, but mentally. He plays with intelligence beyond his years, often leading by example despite his age. Arteta has built the attack around Saka, giving him both responsibility and freedom—a balance that’s allowing him to flourish.
Still, there’s a long way to go. To truly earn the “legend” status, Saka needs silverware—Premier League titles, Champions League nights, and clutch moments in defining games. Sánchez had his FA Cups and Player of the Season awards, but Saka has the chance to eclipse that if Arsenal can finally make the leap from challengers to champions.
In many ways, Saka represents a new kind of Arsenal star: talented, loyal, humble, and hungry. The numbers are there. The moments are there. Now, it’s about longevity and trophies. If he stays the course, Bukayo Saka won’t just be the new Sánchez—he’ll be something even better: an Arsenal legend, built from the ground up.