Mikel Arteta Reveals Bukayo Saka position change hint to help him become like Ronaldo and Messi at Arsenal

Saka’s contributions have been immense for several years now, laying the groundwork for Arteta’s rebuild and helping transform Arsenal into serious contenders. This season, however, he’s taken his game to another level, delivering jaw-dropping performances week after week.

Saka has been unstoppable so far. With nine goals and 12 assists in just 21 games, he has been directly involved in a goal every single game. This consistency has made him one of the Premier League’s standout players this season.

Only Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, a player already regarded as one of the modern greats, has better stats in England’s top flight this term.

While Saka’s numbers are incredible, there’s a belief that he can elevate them even further. After all, players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo built their legacies by consistently producing mind-boggling numbers. Could Saka follow a similar path?

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, thinks Saka has what it takes to reach those legendary heights. During a recent interview, Arteta hinted at a possible position change for the young star.

When asked if moving Saka to a more central position—like Ronaldo and Messi did during their careers—could help him increase his goal tally, Arteta admitted it’s something he’s considering.

Here’s what Arteta said:
“Yes, I think it depends on the qualities of the players around him. For Saka to play inside rather than outside, someone else needs to take up his current role. It could be the full-back, a midfielder, or even a forward who creates that space.”

Arteta added:
“I’m very open to evolving players. Sometimes it’s about adjusting their role or position on the pitch to help them grow. We’ve thought about ways to get Saka into more dangerous areas, and it’s definitely something we’ll keep exploring.”

Saka’s versatility has always been one of his greatest strengths. Over the years, he’s excelled in several positions—left-back, central midfield, and both wings. While the right wing is where he’s most effective, a more central role could unlock new levels in his game.

Arteta’s comments suggest he is considering moving Saka into a role similar to that of Alexis Sanchez during Arsène Wenger’s time at Arsenal. Sanchez, initially a wide player, thrived as a central striker and delivered some of the best performances of his career in that position.

Saka, with his pace, intelligence, and finishing ability, could replicate that success. However, Arteta also hinted that such a move might not happen immediately, as it depends on finding the right balance in the team.

For now, Saka remains one of the best wingers in the Premier League, and his ability to create and score goals makes him invaluable in his current role. But with Arteta’s willingness to experiment and evolve his players, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Saka take on new responsibilities in the future.

If Arteta’s plans work out, Bukayo Saka could become Arsenal’s version of Messi or Ronaldo—a player capable of delivering extraordinary numbers season after season. While it’s a bold ambition, Saka’s talent and work ethic suggest he’s ready for the challenge.