Arsenal star addresses transfer rumours as Bukayo Saka spot threatened | Football | Sport
Arsenal entered the international break rather top of the Premier League. However, the break in club football does not mean there is a lack of news regarding Mikel Arteta’s side.
This comes after Leandro Trossard recently revealed he was close to an exit and how close he was to leaving this summer. Meanwhile, one of Arteta’s England call-ups was told he almost missed out on selection following recent comments from Thomas Tuchel. When it comes to new signings, one of Arteta’s summer signings has been hailed as having the most significant impact of any European transfer this summer. And Express sport provides an overview of the latest happenings around the Emirates Stadium today.
Saka almost missed England recall
As expected, a return to fitness at club level led to Bukayo Saka returning to Tuchel’s England squad last week. The 24-year-old has scored twice in five matches since returning to Arteta’s starting XI, but his international return was not guaranteed, according to Tuchel.
It comes after the Three Lions boss wanted to stick to his philosophy that players showing excellent form for England deserve recognition. Following impressive performances from Noni Madueke and Marcus Rashford during the previous international break, which included a 5-0 win over Serbia and a 2-0 triumph over Andorra, Tuchel was reluctant to make any significant changes.
And it almost forced Saka to face a more prolonged absence from England service following his hamstring problem. Nonetheless, with summer acquisition Madueke sidelined for the foreseeable future, a vacancy has been created in the squad requiring a natural replacement.
“I didn’t want to leave out anyone who was in the last camp,” Tuchel told reporters. “What would be my explanation for leaving them aside and also being authentic in my words? After the Serbia match I went to the dressing room and told them what I told you.
“Imagine I get a phone call this time and I leave four players out and I say, ‘Now I take A, B, C and D, and you don’t’ – what would you think as a player? ‘Didn’t you tell me that was exactly what you wanted, and now I’m out?’ Wouldn’t you think that? I think as a player you would.”
Saka’s inclusion was aided by Madueke being injured and unavailable for England’s latest squad. If Saka’s club colleague had been available, he might not have gotten his place.
“I say there is a chance,” Tuchel added when asked if Madueke’s presence would have prevented Saka’s recall. “It’s very likely I wouldn’t have (chosen) it, but you’ll never know that now.”
Arsenal star dismisses transfer speculation
Amid the summer turmoil in north London, Trossard was among those rumored to be leaving Arsenal. However, the Belgian decided to stay and fight for his place, even signing a new contract with improved salary conditions in August.
Arteta was quickly rewarded for his faith in the former Brighton star, who has contributed two goals and two assists in eight appearances this season. And after joining Belgium for the international break, he spoke candidly about his situation over the summer and whether he was considering leaving.
“I’ve had a good few weeks, both individually and with Arsenal,” he told Belgian media ahead of his country’s World Cup qualifiers. “I’m finally a fit footballer again, a player in great shape. ‘I’m very happy about that.’
Asked specifically about rumors linked to a summer departure, Trossard added: “There are always rumors like that. Leaving was never really an option. I feel very good at Arsenal.
“At the start of the season I struggled a bit with an injury. I think those rumors existed because of the lack of minutes. I played a lot the last few weeks, did my thing and I feel good about it.”
Arsenal recruit’s influence ‘biggest in Europe’
When it comes to Arsenal’s summer signings, Martin Zubimendi has been hailed as the pick of the crop by one Gunners legend in particular. And Martin Keown doesn’t just think the Spaniard has had the biggest impact at Arsenal or England, but across the continent.
After winning his Premier League Player of the Month nomination, £60 million signing Zubimendi has been receiving praise this week. Perhaps the biggest support came from three-time Premier League winner Keown, who highlighted precisely what the former Real Sociedad star brought to Arteta’s midfield.
“In the whole of Europe I can’t think of anyone who has come in and fitted in so well and had such an impact,” he said during a recent appearance on talkSPORT. “The goals he scored (against Nottingham Forest), the head, but he makes everything tick.
“He came on this weekend (against West Ham) and his introduction went smoothly. (Martin) Odegaard coming off would have been an absolute disaster last season, but not this season.”