Ian Wright has suggested to DAZN that Mikel Arteta is not yet playing Bukayo Saka in his best position for Arsenal.
Saka has had a wonderful breakthrough season at the Emirates Stadium, but Arteta has tended to use him at left-back.
The youngster has more experience playing as a winger, but Arsenal’s options at the back have been so limited that Saka has been forced to play on the left-hand side of defence.
The 18-year-old has performed absolutely brilliantly in Arsenal’s team.
But Wright thinks that Saka’s impact could be even greater if Arteta starts playing him in a more advanced role.
“For me he’s a better winger,” Wright told DAZN, as quoted by the Metro.
“It’s just because of his ability and how good he is that he can play that position. Ashley turned out to be one of the best full-backs in the world but this guy is better further forward.”
Saka may get to play as a left-winger upon the return of the Premier League.
Arsenal are set to welcome back Kieran Tierney and Saed Kolasinac, which strengthens their options at left-back considerably.
Arsenal do have some concerns over getting Saka to pen a new deal though.
The academy graduate does not have long left on his current contract, but Wright thinks he will stick around.
“They cannot afford to let a player like this leave, When you look at what Callum Hudson-Odoi has done and he’s a year younger. The contract he signed, Saka’s representatives will be saying: ‘Why should I sign for any less?,” Wright said.
“I believe he will sign but I do think him and his reps are doing the right thing by dragging it out to get the best deal they can. Arsenal is the right place for him at the moment.”
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