Mikel Arteta Considers Saka Emulating Ronaldo a ‘Positive Thing’

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has stated that it would be “a positive thing” if winger Bukayo Saka sought to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo’s career numbers. Saka recorded 25 goal involvements in each of the past two Premier League campaigns. The England international has already accumulated a combined 18 goals and assists in an equal number of appearances for the Gunners this season. The 23-year-old has scored in each of his past three games leading up to Wednesday’s match against Manchester United at Emirates Stadium, and currently trails only Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah for Premier League goal involvements this season. When asked if Saka should aim to replicate the remarkable statistics of his childhood hero Ronaldo, Arteta responded: “To look is always good. The way Cristiano started his career, and when he joined Manchester United, nobody probably expected in the first few seasons he would be able to do that.” He added: “It was about his mentality, his work ethic, how he developed his skill, his chemistry with his team and to play in a team that has the capacity as well to be dominant. “That is very, very important. I think Bukayo has got that context and if he is aiming for that, I think it is a positive thing.” Ronaldo, who joined Manchester United as an 18-year-old in 2003, is a five-time recipient of the Ballon d’Or, an award given to the world’s best player. The Portugal star has also won the Champions League five times and is the all-time leading scorer in Europe’s elite club competition. “In terms of the numbers, we always see a shift in Bukayo every single year,” Arteta said. “He is providing something else. He is adding things to his game, he is more and more consistent, and his numbers in terms of impact in goals and assists is incredible at this stage of the season.” He continued: “He can only improve, he can only get better. He has got the right players around him to continue to do so and especially because he wants more.” Second-placed Arsenal will host Manchester United, needing a victory to ensure they do not lose further ground to leaders Liverpool, who have established a nine-point lead after just 13 games. United is currently ninth but remains unbeaten in three games across all competitions under new manager Ruben Amorim, who succeeded the sacked Erik ten Hag in November. Regarding Amorim’s impact, Arteta remarked: “You can see his fingerprints in what he wants to do straight away. He’s been very clear with what he wants to do.” He further stated: “What he did with Sporting was remarkable after so many years. Especially the way he did it and the way his teams are playing. “It brings energy to a new club and the players, which is always positive. But we have to focus on what we’re doing.” Arsenal was also drawn against Manchester United in the FA Cup third round on Monday.