Tim Sherwood claims that Arsenal tried to keep Bukayo Saka out of their own team by bringing in Nicolas Pepe, as per his comments on The Midweek Preview, which was broadcast on Optus Sports.
Saka has emerged as one of Arsenal’s very best players this season, with his talents coming to the fore.
But Sherwood thinks that Arsenal actually blocked his talents by bringing in Pepe.
And he considers them rather fortunate to be seeing the best of Saka now.
“The kids have come in and played with no fear. Saka has been their best player all season,” Sherwood said.
“They tried to block up his pathway by bringing in Pepe for a record signing, but they haven’t been able to do that.
“Smith Rowe now hopefully they stick with him. I know Odegaard has come in the door, but he’s got to earn the right. If he comes in and is better than Smith Rowe straight away then he’s some player.”
Arsenal have actually found a way to get both Pepe and Saka into the same team recently.
Pepe has started down the left recently, with Saka, who is on a £30,000-a-week contract (Sun), featuring down the right, and the pair have looked very bright.
Arsenal may have been beaten 2-1 by Wolves last night, but the attacking duo still caused plenty of problems, particularly early on.
Sherwood’s scathing comments may be slightly harsh on Arsenal’s forward planning, too.
At the point when Pepe was brought to the Emirates Stadium, Saka was only 17, and it would have been tough for anyone to predict the impact he would have in their first-team.
And the Gunners have hardly held their academy graduate back since he has proven he was ready to make the step up into their first-team, either.
Saka has been almost a mainstay in Arsenal’s team this season and is now well ahead of Pepe in the pecking order for places on merit.
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