Arteta reveals new position he could try Bukayo Saka in!

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed openness to the idea of shifting Bukayo Saka into a more central role in the future, a tactical adjustment that could unlock even greater potential for the 23-year-old winger. This suggestion stems from the success of similar moves for legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who reached staggering goal tallies after transitioning away from the flanks.

Arteta discussed the possibility during an interview with Arsenal Media, emphasizing that such a change would depend heavily on the surrounding players and tactical dynamics. He explained:

“I think that will depend a lot on the qualities and the players who are around him. For somebody to be an inside instead of an outside, somebody has to be outside, and that player, that full-back, that attacking midfielder, and nine has to allow the space to do that. But I’m certainly very open to keep evolving players.”

Saka’s current position on the right wing has been key to Arsenal’s recent successes, providing goals, assists, and relentless creativity. However, doubling up defenders on him has often limited his influence in certain matches. A central role could potentially reduce this defensive attention and allow him more freedom to dictate play and exploit spaces closer to goal.

Arteta further elaborated on the strategic flexibility of such a move, highlighting the importance of positioning and tactical adjustments:

“Sometimes it’s the role, sometimes it’s the position on the pitch, and sometimes there are other things we can do so that he can spend more time in this position because when the ball is far on the opposite side, we can choose where we want him.”

While Saka has flourished in his current role, Arteta’s willingness to explore alternative positions underscores the manager’s forward-thinking approach to player development. By potentially evolving Saka’s role, Arsenal could replicate the transformative impact seen in the careers of Ronaldo and Messi, paving the way for their young star to reach new heights.

For now, Saka remains integral to Arsenal’s system on the wing, but Arteta’s comments suggest that the club is prepared to adapt to maximize the 23-year-old’s immense potential in