Arsenal must protect Bukayo Saka

Here at bettingexpert, Devang Prasard sat down with former Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre to discuss Bukayo Saka’s welfare, the potential of Pedro Neto arriving as a backup option to Saka, and much more, including the prospect of Ivan Toney in an Arsenal shirt.

In this article:

• Arsenal must rest Saka to protect him
• Neto would be a good back up option for Bukayo Saka
• Toney could add physical profile which Arsenal need
• Smith-Rowe has potential but has to show patience

Arsenal must rest Saka to protect him

The health and welfare of Arsenal’s star boy Bukayo Saka has been a topic of debate for quite some time, especially amongst Arsenal fans. Saka had held a record-breaking run of 87 consecutive starts in the Premier League ended on Sunday before he sat out of the 1-0 win over Manchester City.

Questions are being asked as to whether Arsenal are too reliant on Bukayo Saka and whether Arsenal need to invest in backup options for the right side. Silvestre says Saka must be protected, and Arsenal may need to dip into the January transfer market.

“He needs to be rested. That’s important. He needs to be protected.”

“It could be one of the areas where the manager could be looking at bringing someone in. Especially because of the schedule in England with the three domestic competitions, the Champions League and on top of that, you put England games, that’s a lot of football.”

“It will make sense to have someone come in if it’s not from within the team.”

Neto would be a good backup option for Bukayo Saka

Arsenal have consistently been linked with Wolves winger Pedro Neto, who has had a great start to the season. The Portuguese attacker has a goal and five assists in eight Premier League games. It has led to discussions resurfacing as to whether he could be a good backup option for the Gunners on the right-hand side. An idea that Silvestre concurs with.

“Yeah, Pedro Neto is a good player, and he’s had a good start to the season.”

“He’s very direct, creating chances, and he’s a good player. He could be one backup option for Saka.”

Toney could add a physical profile, which Arsenal need

Rumours have suggested that Arsenal could be in for Brentford striker Ivan Toney this January. He is currently serving a ban from the FA but is set to return to football next year.

Last season saw Toney score 20 times in 33 appearances for the Bees. Does he have the skill set to fit into this Mikel Arteta Arsenal team? Not according to Silvestre, although he does see the value in adding a forward with Toney’s physical profile.

“Ivan Toney, not really. I don’t think he would be the target for Arsenal, but maybe they’ve seen a lack of physicality in the box.”

“Some games we’ve touched on, like against Man Utd, winning not ugly, but playing direct football, long balls in the box.”

“Arsenal, when it comes to set pieces, crosses in the box, maybe they’re lacking height. Jesus, Nketiah, Saka, Martinelli, you got Havertz, who’s tall but not the strongest. Saliba, Rice, Gabriel and Ben White. They could add a striker like Toney.”

Smith-Rowe has potential but has to show patience

The return of Emile Smith-Rowe has posed a question of whether he has a long-term future at Arsenal. Injuries have hampered his career at Arsenal, but he remains highly valued by both his club and internationally, having won the U21’s Euro Championship this summer. Silvestre believes there will be an opportunity for Smith-Rowe to stake a claim at Arsenal this season if he remains patient.

“It’s really up to Emile Smith-Rowe. Again, he’s someone who came from the ranks of the academy. He has shown potential, and the competition is super high, so they have to show resilience and patience.”

“It’s difficult, but at some point, when you’re not getting enough minutes, you might want to look elsewhere.”

“But with all these competitions Arsenal are involved in, he should grab minutes and try to get into the starting XI.”

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