Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has highlighted the key area where Bukayo Saka must improve to become an even better player.
Saka has registered eight goal contributions in 12 appearances so far this season and has scored crucial goals in the last two wins against Liverpool and Bodo/Glimt. The Gunners remain top of the Premier League and their Europa League group as they look to head into the World Cup break in the strongest position possible.
The 21-year-old has personally invested in a private box at the Emirates Stadium hinting that he wishes to stay in north London for the foreseeable future despite a contract renewal yet to be agreed. Reports suggested that the England international has been offered a £200,000-a-week deal, but it still may not be enough to deter interest from Manchester City and Liverpool who are both monitoring Saka's situation.
READ MORE: Arsenal must agree Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli contracts to stop Robin van Persie repeat
There is no question that Arsenal are desperate to tie their talented forward down to a bumper new deal as soon as possible, with negotiations over Saka's new contract seen as a priority for the Gunners. Regardless of how good of a player he is already at just 21-years-old, Arteta believes there are still 'a lot of things' for Saka to improve.
Speaking after the 1-0 win against Bodo/Glimt, in which the England international scored the only goal of the game, Arteta said: “He had moments in the game where he was really good and then moments he can improve and demand more of himself, especially defensively.
“There were moments where we allowed their left full-back to progress the play and break our press too easily. There are a lot of things to improve.”
Arteta's comments speak volumes of the standards he holds over his players at the club, demanding that they improve all areas of their game even when the team are picking up strong results. The Spaniard's drive to be the best and perform at the top level every week is a key factor behind the development of the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Emile Smith Rowe and Martin Odegaard who have all raised their game under Arteta.
Liverpool and Manchester City have shown that world-class attackers must still do the hard yards and help their team defensively in order to achieve success each year. This is something Arteta would have noted during his time working under Pep Guardiola and now he has brought that mindset to the Emirates Stadium, helping the Gunners fight at the top of the Premier League.
READ NEXT:
Every word Mikel Arteta said on Turner's distribution, Saliba concern and Arsenal desire
Why Granit Xhaka shouted at Matt Turner as Mikel Arteta's Arsenal prediction is proved right
Arsenal dealt major transfer blow as Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz signs new contract
Takehiro Tomiyasu’s Leeds selection and the Arsenal tactical question Mikel Arteta must answer
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
