Bukayo Saka’s meteoric rise at Arsenal is nothing short of a miracle for a club that doesn’t have a stable roadmap for itself and its players. And for someone who is playing a gap-filling role in various positions, several suggestions have developed that a departure seems the only option to maintain his upward trajectory as a talented footballer.

The 19-year-old, who has come through the Gunners�?Hale End Academy, made his debut under Unai Emery shortly after his 17th birthday and has developed into a critical first-team player with 10 goals and 18 assists in 73 appearances.

Saka’s versatility on the pitch has impressed former players like Ian Wright, Bacary Sagna, Cesc Fabregas, and Robin van Persie. They have praised the youngster for his maturity and ability to be a match-winner.

Saka is such a good player. Such a maturity and intelligence for his age. Game changer.

�?Cesc Fàbregas Soler (@cesc4official) February 25, 2021

Despite signing a long-term contract with Arsenal in July 2020, many European clubs would be keen on securing Saka’s services and offer him a brand of football that might skyrocket him to a greater high in the sport.

Absence of a trophy challenge

Barring the FA Cup, Arsenal have failed to mount a serious title challenge since the ‘Invincibles�?campaign in 2003/04.

For someone of Saka’s talent, the Gunners need to display a wholesome intent to win, but this value has lacked over time since the now-departed Mesut Ozil was in prime form for the club.

Naaaaaaaahhhh @BukayoSaka87 what a player ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️

�?Bacary Sagna (@Sagnaofficial) February 25, 2021

One can’t expect much from Arsenal, currently in the second half of the 2020-21 Premier League standings, to make an immediate push for a title challenge, but it seems that the Mikel Arteta-led side are slowly making improvements due to the efforts of Saka.

The drawback, however, is that Bukayo Saka’s trajectory of growth is not in tandem with that of Arsenal’s current plans. The youngster requires a strong title challenge to push the limits of his career, and thus, he must have a change of scenery.

Need the right players to boost development

Having started as a winger, Bukayo Saka boasts an electric pace and a strong left foot that helps him manoeuvre the ball effortlessly past opposition defenders on the flanks. But given that he has mostly plied his trade in defensive positions at Arsenal, one can see that his freedom on the pitch is significantly restricted.

.@BukayoSaka87 pic.twitter.com/RPWyWKQd9s

�?Ian Wright (@IanWright0) February 17, 2021

Based on talent and deployment, Saka is similar to Bayern’s Alphonso Davies - converted into a wing-back from a regular winger. Both players have been the pillars of strength at their respective clubs, but in Davies�?case, the Canadian has the right players in Joshua Kimmich and Kingsley Coman to back him up.

The current state of affairs can’t account for this need at the Emirates, and thus, a potential club like Bayern Munich or Juventus can be the ideal destinations for 19-year-old Saka to develop into a world-class winger and forward.

Avoid stagnating as a one-club man

For someone as young as Bukayo Saka, the possibility of being a one-club man seems relatively less as he would want to broaden his prospects as a footballer.

Saka, who came up through the Arsenal academy ranks, can undoubtedly look upto Cesc Fabregas and Serge Gnabry, who left the club and gained more significant success elsewhere. In the case of Gnabry, the German forward has now become an irreplaceable component of Bayern’s attacking prowess. During his time at Arsenal, the 25-year-old got just 18 games under his belt and scored one goal.

8 - Since the start of last season, no player has provided more assists in the UEFA Europa League than Bukayo Saka (8). Saviour. pic.twitter.com/zKeoKQYHxO

�?OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 25, 2021

His move to Wolfsburg and a loan at Hoffenheim sharpened Gnabry’s senses in the goalscoring department and the forward has since been a regular feature at the club and international level.

Should Saka follow the same track, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the youngster rise up and compete with the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland as a prolific attacker.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Frank Augstein

With the return of Premier League action just around the corner, we can rest assured that Fantasy lovers from across the globe are gearing up and looking ahead to the new season with excitement. Ahead of the first gameweek of the new Premier League season, we decided to take a look at a few bargain buys who can get you valuable points without eating into most of the budget of your team.

James Tarkowski �?5.5m

Even though James Tarkowski won’t be in action in the first gameweek of the Premier League’s return, the Burnley centre-back would be a smart acquisition to have in your team for the rest of the season. Tarkowski’s part of a stubborn Burnley backline that doesn’t leak many goals and is also a capable contributor with goals, particularly from set-pieces, at the other end of the pitch. He was one of the best defenders in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) last season with 15 clean sheets, two goals and three assists to his name. Available for just 5.5m, adding him to your squad now could be a prudent choice before his price starts to inflate as the season progresses.

Ryan Fraser �?6m

An exciting and pacey attacking outlet that provides plenty of width, many clubs will want former Bournemouth winger Ryan Fraser in their team. The Scottish winger endured an underwhelming campaign with Bournemouth last season and didn’t feature for the now relegated team regularly. His total of one goal scored and five assists last season was a major letdown from his numbers in the 2018-19 campaign that read seven goals and 14 assists. However, now with Newcastle United, expect Fraser to rediscover his form with the Tyneside club, which makes him a value buy at just 6m.

Bukayo Saka �?5.5m

One of the biggest revelations from last season, Bukayo Saka looks poised to kick on and take his game to the next level. Still available for just 5.5m, the English youngster could prove to be a steal if he starts the new season in the same manner in which he finished the last. He contributed a goal as well as six assists for the Gunners last season and has been widely tipped to do even better in the upcoming campaign. The youngster, in fact, showed that he’s looking sharp in Arsenal’s FA Community Shield win by providing the assist for their goal and will be hoping for more of the same once the season gets underway.

Jack Grealish �?7m

At 7m, Jack Grealish is the most expensive buy on this list. However, the English playmaker is still a value buy at that price and is sure to get you points if you have him in your team. The Aston Villa playmaker played a starring role for his team last season as Villa narrowly beat the drop to earn themselves another season in England’s top-flight. He scored eight goals, provided seven assists and notched up 149 FPL points last campaign. With the experience of a full Premier League campaign under his belt, expect him to top those numbers in the coming season, making him a smart choice for your team before his price starts to soar.

Neal Maupay �?6.5m

One of Brighton & Hove Albion’s biggest threats over the course of the 2019-20 season, Frenchman Neal Maupay will be keen to prove that he’s more than just a one-season hit and can deliver consistently in the Premier League. Maupay scored crucial goals for Brighton last season and helped them stay up. He notched up 131 FPL points, scoring 10 goals and three assists along the way. He will be looking to kick on in the new season and is in a good position to do so in manager Graham Potter’s attack-minded Brighton team, making him a smart choice to have in your team at 6.5m.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Ian Kington

It’s just a matter of days until we see our beloved Premier League returning to our TV sets. The ongoing transfer market has well and truly made the 2020/21 season all the more interesting, but the growing perspective of believing in youth is set to make the upcoming campaign one to keep an eye on. 

Right from Mikel Arteta to Ole Gunnar-Solskjaer, the young guns have flourished right on level with the seniors to a greater extent. And so, as we approach another enthralling Premier League season, we look at five teenagers who are tipped for greater success this campaign.

William Saliba (Arsenal)

Arsenal have had their issues in defence last season, having conceded 48 goals last season (third-most amongst the top 10), but the arrival of Gabriel Magalhaes and the return of William Saliba is set to release the pressure in one way or another. With a host of options to choose from, manager Mikel Arteta is set to have that sweet selection headache, while Saliba, personally, will undergo an uphill task of justifying why the Gunners paid £27m for his services.

• Highs and lows of Mikel Arteta's first season at Arsenal

Signed from Saint-Etienne in the summer of 2019, Arsenal decided to loan him back to France, a decision that worked wonders as he not only impressed but also helped Saint-Etienne reach the Coupe de France. Strong with the ball at his feet and extremely competent in one-on-one situations, 19-year-old Saliba is expected to be one of Arteta’s main men in defence this season.  

Mason Greenwood (Manchester United)

Manchester United’s new No. 11, Mason Greenwood is tipped for greatness after an exhilarating return of 17 goals in 49 appearances in the 2019/20 season, which made him the first player aged 18 or under since Michael Owen (1997/98) to score 10+ goals in a Premier League season. 

A forward with quick-feet and unmatchable finishing abilities for his age, the soon to be 19-year-old will be one of United’s most potent weapons in an already electric and young attacking setup. Greenwood is someone who is never afraid of having a go at goal regardless of the distance, and that, coupled with his ability to weird equal power in both feet, further makes him a potential danger for the opponent.

With the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Paul Pogba and now Donny van de Beek supporting him from the back, expect Greenwood to surpass his tally of the previous season this campaign.

• Highs and lows of Solskjaer's first full season at Manchester United

Curtis Jones (Liverpool)

A fantastic curling effort from some 20-odd yards in Liverpool’s FA Cup tie against Everton in January this year made 19-year-old Curtis Jones the youngest goalscorer in a Merseyside derby since Robbie Fowler (18 years and 338 days) in March 1994. This time last year, most of the Liverpool fans had never heard of the talented midfielder, but as things stand, he is rightly tipped to provide healthy competition for a place in Jurgen Klopp’s first team.

"A proper Scouser," as Klopp described him when he faced Borussia Dortmund in the International Champions Cup in North Carolina ahead of the 2018/19 season, Jones has continued the rich vein of form after providing two assists during Liverpool's 7-2 win over Blackpool last week. 

• With Timo Werner snared by Chelsea, who else can Liverpool consider?

Being able to play on multiple positions across the midfield gives Jones a perfect edge as he heads into the new season. He is strong, confident and always wants the ball at his feet; a trait that represents a burly character. He is certain to make an impact next season.

Fabio Silva (Wolves)

18-year-old forward Fabio Silva became Wolves�?latest import from Portugal after the Wanderers decided to splash a club-record £35m for the teenager. Dubbed the ‘new Cristiano Ronaldo�? Silva began his career in the youth team at Porto in 2010 before moving to Benfica in 2015. Two years later, he came back to Porto and has been with the team since. 

Spending £35m for a player who has a mere 21 senior appearances to his name rightly seems like a gamble, but judging by how the Portuguese media has rated him during the short tenure, it looks like he is worth the penny. Portuguese journalist Andre Monteiro likens Silva to Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino, saying that the teenager is someone who likes to make clever movements around the area, and loves to lay dangerous passes to his teammates.

“When he receives the ball, he knows where the goal is, he knows the movement needed to create space to take a shot,�?says Monteiro. 

• Five emerging players from the 2019/20 Champions League season

“I think he’s a natural, of course he has to work, like any player, but he’s a natural.�?/span>

Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

Recently turned 19-year-old Bukayo Saka took the Premier League by storm last season after ending his tenure with a return of four goals and a whopping 11 assists. Appreciated for his versatility, Saka was deployed in multiple positions by Arteta last season, and the youngster didn’t disappoint a single bit. Direct with his approach, Saka impressed one and all with his splendid dribbling abilities, and we can expect more of the same in the coming season.

This time around though, Saka could well and truly be given a more advanced role in order to provide sufficient services to the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette. Tipped as Arsenal’s biggest prospect since Cesc Fabregas, Saka will be given the stage to perform, and it is safe to say that the 19-year-old won’t disappoint even a single bit.

Feature image courtesy: Twitter / @Wolves, AFP / Gareth Fuller

The Premier League boasts of some of the finest young talents in the game. The 2019/20 season of the English top-flight football has seen a number of teenagers break into their respective first-teams and go on to make a solid impression. 

And here, we put together a lineup comprising of some of the most impressive teenage talents currently plying their trade in the English top flight.

GK: Joseph Anang (West Ham United U23)

No teenager has featured in the Premier League in the goalkeeping position this season. So, 19-year-old Joseph Anang, who is the West Ham reserve goalkeeper and has the highest number of clean sheets (eight in 17 matches) in the Premier League 2 gets the nod. Has made it to the bench on one occasion, but is yet to make his first-team bow.

RB: Tariq Lamptey (Brighton, on loan from Chelsea)

There are a number of supremely talented young right-backs in England currently �?Trent Alexander-Arnold, Max Aarons, Reece James. And Chelsea’s Tariq Lamptey could soon be set to join the list. The 19-year-old broke into the first-team this term and hasn’t made a lot of appearances, but has impressed whenever given an opportunity.

Read | Three players whose stocks have dived in the 2019-20 Premier League

Having joined Brighton on loan in January, Lamptey did not get a chance to make an impression as the season was suspended soon after. In all, he has featured 22 times in all competitions, senior and reserve teams combined, scoring and assisting three goals apiece.

CB: Eric Garcia (Manchester City)

The Manchester City academy man has been tipped for great things and he has shown why he is held in high regard within the club with some impressive displays in the first-team this season. A regular for the Spanish U-21 side, the 19-year-old has made nine first-team appearances at City this season, contributing with a solitary assist as well. Is expected to play an increased role next term.

CB: Brandon Williams (Manchester United)

The 19-year-old Manchester United starlet has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign, impressing heavily for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side. Primarily a right-footed left-back, Williams has excelled in that role. But for the want of teenage centre-backs in the Premier League, he slots in at the heart of the defence here, a position where he has played in the past during his youth days.

LB: Ryan Sessegnon (Tottenham Hotspur)

The Englishman was snapped up by Tottenham last summer after an impressive couple of seasons with Fulham. And while the 19-year-old hasn’t been able to make the desired impact this term due to injuries, he’s still regarded as one of the finest prospects in the country. Till date, Sessegnon has made 41 Premier League appearances in his career, scoring six goals and setting up two more.

RW: Callum Hudson-Odoi (Chelsea)

One of the most exciting players to have come through Chelsea’s youth academy in recent years, Callum Hudson-Odoi has become a household name over the past year and a half and has already broken into the England national team during the time. Till date, the 19-year-old has made 53 first-team appearances, bagging eight goals and assisting 10 more. 

Read | Three U-20 players who impressed in the 2019/20 Premier League season

CM: Phil Foden (Manchester City)

One of the most technically gifted young players in England, the Manchester City starlet burst onto the scenes when he helped England win the FIFA U-17 World Cup a few years ago. Hasn’t been able to nail down a place in the starting XI at City due to the horde of superstars at Pep Guardiola’s disposal, but has shone brightly each time he has been given the chance. In 26 appearances this term, he has bagged three goals and created seven more for his teammates.

CM: Billy Gilmour (Chelsea)

The 18-year-old Scottish midfielder broke through the first-team at Chelsea under Frank Lampard this term and has made quite the impression. Back-to-back Man of the Match performances against Liverpool (FA Cup) and Everton (Premier League) has meant Gilmour’s stocks have risen rapidly in recent months.

LW: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

One of the few positives for Arsenal in the 2019/20 campaign, Saka has enjoyed a sensational breakthrough season with the Gunners. In 29 senior appearances, the 18-year-old has come up with a fine return of three goals and nine assists across all competitions. Has impressed with his versatility, having played as a winger and a full-back over the course of the season.

Read | Three youngsters poised to breakout in the Premier League next season

ST: Mason Greenwood (Manchester United)

Regarded as one of the finest prospects to have come through the Manchester United academy, Mason Greenwood has impressed heavily in his first full season with the first-team. With twelve goals and four assists in 36 senior appearances across all competitions, the 18-year-old has stepped up admirably and should grow into a pivotal member of the team in the coming seasons.

ST: Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)

Signed by Arsenal only last summer, the Brazilian hasn’t taken long to adapt to the rigours of English football, shining bright with his all-round play in the attacking third. With ten goals and four assists in just 26 matches, the 18-year-old has shown that he is a star in the making.

The English Premier League is one of the most competitive football leagues in the world. Some of the world's best players are brought in to play for the clubs in this league and the management doesn't shy away from spending huge amounts of money to acquire their services as well.

However, these clubs invest in youth as well if they spot young talent, and they’re then nurtured and grown in their academies to make them world-class players. Sometimes, even while they’re still teenagers, they are given chances to showcase their talent at the highest level If they go on to impress in the limited number of opportunities given to them, they start getting chances on a more consistent basis as well.

We saw some examples of such players making their mark in the 2019/20 season of the Premier League as well and here, we will take a look at three of the most talented among them.

Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)

The 18-year-old Brazilian forward was mainly supposed to play for Arsenal's U-23 team when the club signed him for a fee of £5 million from Brazil's third-tier team Ituano. However, Martinelli impressed the entire Arsenal management so much in training that he was fast-tracked into the senior team.

Read | Harry Maguire vs Virgil van Dijk: World’s costliest defenders

The club gave him the chance to prove his mettle first in cup competitions like the Europa League and he grabbed the opportunity with both hands, scoring seven goals and providing four assists in a total of 12 appearances. As a result, he was handed his Premier League start later on as well and he impressed once again, scoring three goals and one assist in a total of 14 appearances, eight of which came from the bench.

Mason Greenwood (Manchester United)

Already a star at Old Trafford at just 18 years of age, Mason Greenwood has made a total of 40 appearances for the club across all competitions this season and racked up 12 goals and four assists. These numbers might not seem extraordinary but remember that he started in only 17 of those 40 appearances and keeping that in mind, the number of times he contributed is quite extraordinary. These goals also include five strikes in the Premier League itself.

Former United players like Gary Neville and Nicky Butt have already gone on to describe him as one of the best young players they have ever seen. Greenwood has extended his contract with the Red Devils and we can expect to see him as a firmly established player at Old Trafford in no time.

Read | Who is Kai Havertz and why are top clubs chasing him?

Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

He hasn't gotten the same recognition as the other two players in this list but Bukayo Saka has been just no less impressive with his performances. He made his debut for Arsenal during the 2018/19 Europa League season but it was during the last season that he cemented his place in Arsenal's first team.

Saka has made 29 appearances across all competitions this season and racked up three goals along with nine assists. Four of those assists have come in the Premier League itself and that came despite the fact that he played out of his natural position. Although he’s primarily a winger, Saka played in the left-back position for the Gunners, which speaks for his versatility as a player a bright future in the waiting.

Feature image courtesy: Oli Scarff