Tag: Sakas

  • Bukayo Saka’s replacement at Arsenal could be Antoine Semenyo


    Bukayo Saka of Arsenal warms up before the Premier League match against Crystal Palace. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

    Arsenal are still looking to make a splash in the January transfer market, and one deal they could get over the line is for a highly-rated Bournemouth player to replace Bukayo Saka.

    Premier Injuries still say it will be months before the England international returns to the Gunners first-team, so there is a real need for Mikel Arteta to get his feet wet in terms of transfers this month.

    Arsenal want Semenyo to replace Bukayo Saka

    Indeed, Arteta noted the severity of Saka’s injury, leaving his side light in the area of the pitch where the 23-year-old does his best work.

    Wolves’ Matheus Cunha is of interest to Arsenal, but sources have indicated to CaughtOffside that the North Londoners have put Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo on their transfer list as the main alternative to Saka.

    Antoine Semenyo of AFC Bournemouth runs for the ball under pressure from Kieran Trippier of Newcastle United. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

    Semenyo has impressed many with his versatility for the Cherries this season, and sources understand that Bournemouth are keen to keep him in January, valuing the player at around £50 million.

    The Ghana international has recorded six goals and three assists in 21 appearances (transfermarkt), performing in a variety of attacking positions.

    Arsenal identify in-form €70m man as ‘ideal’ transfer target!

    Liverpool have also registered an interest in the player and have proposed a swap deal involving young winger Ben Doak, but Bournemouth don’t appear interested in such a switch.

    Sources have further advanced to CaughtOffside that Semenyo is open to leaving with a desire to prove himself at the top level.

    Bukayo Saka replacement may not be only Arsenal signing in January

    Chelsea, Tottenham and Newcastle are believed to be waiting in the shadows to see how things develop over the coming days before confirming their interest and making a move.

    A double deal between Arsenal and Bournemouth might well be on the cards too, as sources suggest that Arteta is exploring the possibility of bringing Milos Kerkez to the Emirates Stadium as the replacement for Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney, both of who are expected to leave in the current window.

    Manchester United will provide the major competition to this deal being executed successfully by the Gunners, though as with Semenyo, Bournemouth are reluctant to part with the player.



    Bukayo Saka has been a shining star for Arsenal this season, but with his contract situation still up in the air, the Gunners may need to start thinking about potential replacements. One player who could fit the bill is Antoine Semenyo.

    Semenyo, currently playing for Bristol City in the Championship, has been making waves with his performances this season. The 21-year-old forward has a similar playing style to Saka, with his pace, dribbling ability, and eye for goal making him a potent attacking threat.

    With Saka’s future uncertain, Arsenal could look to bring in Semenyo as a long-term replacement. The young Englishman has the potential to develop into a top player and could thrive under the guidance of Mikel Arteta.

    While Semenyo may not have the same level of experience as Saka, his raw talent and potential make him an exciting prospect for Arsenal. If Saka does end up leaving the club, Semenyo could be the perfect player to fill his shoes and continue the Gunners’ attacking prowess.

    Overall, Antoine Semenyo could be a smart investment for Arsenal as they look to secure the future of their attacking lineup. Keep an eye on this talented young forward as he continues to impress in the Championship.

    Tags:

    1. Bukayo Saka
    2. Arsenal
    3. Antoine Semenyo
    4. Premier League
    5. Football
    6. Transfer news
    7. Young talent
    8. Arsenal FC
    9. Player replacement
    10. English football

    #Bukayo #Sakas #replacement #Arsenal #Antoine #Semenyo

  • Arteta on Sterling’s performance, joy of working with Havertz, Saka’s holiday & more – Arseblog News


    Having started off a bit grouchy in the first half of his pre-Villa press conference, Mikel Arteta lightened up towards the end, sharing a few jokes with the assembled media.

    The manager addressed questions on Raheem Sterling, Kai Havertz, and Big Gabi, advised Bukayo Saka to take a holiday, and once again urged the crowd to create a lively atmosphere on Saturday night.

    On Raheem Sterling’s recent performances…

    Yeah, for sure we can get a lot from Rash. We are getting much more than we used to get [from him] a few weeks back. Obviously, his involvement has been much higher and he’s going to be capital. Now he’s got more rhythm and more minutes, he had an injury that he’s coming back from, but, overall, I think he can give us a lot.

    On Gabriel Magalhaes’ being a serious goal threat…

    At the present time, very much. When you look at his numbers and the type of goals and the occasions when he has scored the goals, they are very important goals as well. He will be right up there.

    On whether he’s been given assurances that spending in January won’t affect his summer budget…

    Assurances in this industry, I think that nobody can give you because it’s related to performance, what we achieve, how we finish the season. A lot of things. It’s clear that it’s not easy, and I think that’s probably the most difficult part because a player that is injured at the end, what can you do? He has no value, he cannot perform, so it’s a really difficult scenario. On top of that, you have to add somebody else on, so it’s not easy.

    On discussing internally the balance between buying now and the summer…

    Yeah, for sure. We never plan a window. We have a plan, we look at the squad, how we’re going to evolve it, what is in the academy, how we’re going to change it and adapt things. And from there, then you go. Because from what you plan, actually, and the picture that we have today [either] we are really bad at planning or nobody could see that we were going to have that many injuries. So you’re going to have to adapt whatever the plan is as well.

    On whether the January window is as simple as having the money to spend…

    I don’t think so. Obviously, it’s a factor, because at the end, when you want to recruit a player and the player wants to come, you have to agree to a certain fee. But that player has to be available. It [has to be] a player that we believe can be the solution, short and medium and long term. And we have to be able to afford it. It’s not easy.

    On January signings needinb to hit the ground running and whether that’s a factor in recruitment…

    For sure. With every player, you have to understand the context as well. So which player do you bring? What are the expectations? How is this player going to fit in on that door when everybody’s asking, OK, we need to sign that kind of player? And then how do you deal with that? That’s always a big thing.

    On Kai Havertz’s morale at the moment…

    It’s a joy to work with him, honestly. I wish that you could spend some time with him and the players around him and the people around him. That’s why we all love him. Because he just looks forward, he takes it in the chin, he works harder, and he tries again. [For] him and anybody else, in football, what you’ve done today or three weeks ago, it doesn’t matter. It’s about, OK, now against Aston Villa, what we can produce. We’re going to be judges on that, that’s it. So let’s look forward to that.

    Best to watch this next bit as it’s funny… [3 mins 50 seconds onwards]



    On reminding the crowd of the need for a big atmosphere…

    Hopefully not. Hopefully, that [the NLD] is the standard and we maintain it and we go from there to better.

    On whether they are aware of this…

    I don’t know. They have to watch the press conference! It would be difficult for me shouting and lifting my arms, what else can I do? I will try my best.

    On Bukayo Saka having his blessing to go on holiday while he recovers from injury…

    Yeah, yeah, he needs to. He’s obligated to go. Yes. With his girlfriend, with his family, that he can choose, on his own, but he needs to get away for a few days and refresh. He can still do a lot of things on the rehab because it’s the perfect stage right now, but I think it’s going to make him really good.

    On whether he’s keen to stay close to the team at a vital point of the season…

    Yeah, but he is and he’s been every single day there. But there is a moment, especially when we plan and we’re going to be away for a few days, that he needs to do that. That’s very important for him as well and we need to look after our players.

    On Saka sending him a postcard…

    Yeah, a nice picture or present or something!



    In a recent interview, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta spoke about Raheem Sterling’s performance in their last match, the joy of working with Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka’s well-deserved holiday, and more.

    Arteta praised Sterling for his exceptional performance on the pitch, highlighting his work rate and commitment to the team. The manager also expressed his delight at having the opportunity to work with Havertz, praising the young midfielder’s talent and dedication to improving his game.

    On Saka’s holiday, Arteta confirmed that the young star has been granted some time off to rest and recharge after a grueling season. The manager emphasized the importance of giving players the opportunity to recuperate and return to training refreshed and ready for the next challenge.

    Overall, Arteta’s comments reflect his dedication to developing and supporting his players, as well as his commitment to building a successful and competitive team. Arsenal fans can look forward to seeing more exciting performances from their favorite players in the upcoming season.

    Tags:

    1. Arteta
    2. Sterling performance
    3. Havertz
    4. Joy of working
    5. Saka holiday
    6. Arsenal
    7. Premier League
    8. Football news
    9. Soccer updates
    10. Arseblog News

    #Arteta #Sterlings #performance #joy #working #Havertz #Sakas #holiday #Arseblog #News

  • Arsenal can trust Ethan Nwaneri in Bukayo Saka’s absence – this is how he’s developed since debut

    Arsenal can trust Ethan Nwaneri in Bukayo Saka’s absence – this is how he’s developed since debut


    Ethan Nwaneri will look back fondly on his first two away trips to Brentford.

    In September 2022, he became the Premier League’s youngest-ever player at 15 when he replaced Fabio Vieira in added time. Back at the Gtech Community Stadium two and a half years later, he became the third-youngest player ever to start a Premier League game for Arsenal at the age of 17 years and 286 days. Only Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott did it younger.

    He took the injured Bukayo Saka’s place on the right wing as Mikel Arteta continued to experiment in the England international’s absence.

    “In that position, it wasn’t because of the bug,” the Arsenal manager said in his post-match press conference, referencing the illness that had kept several out of the game. “It was a decision I made because I thought he was the best player to play in that position to start the game. And because there was a story there with his debut here. Making his Premier League debut, sometimes that feeling comes in and you feel it’s the right one and then who knows.”

    Although he is a natural midfielder, Nwaneri’s development through Arsenal’s academy has helped his readiness to fill Saka’s shoes on the right. He recently admitted to the Arsenal website that he had been used in defensive midfield at points. The Athletic has also detailed his use not just as an attacking midfielder, but as a winger on both flanks and as a centre-forward for the under-18s and under-21s in the 2022-23 season.


    Nwaneri delivering a cross on Wednesday (Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

    Arteta recently spoke in a press conference about how that could see him develop into a striker in the future. For now, however, the work and talent of Nwaneri saw Arteta trust him to contribute off the right flank. Although most of his football for the first team has come in midfield, Arteta has drip-fed Nwaneri minutes on the right wing going back to last season.

    When Arsenal were 6-0 up away to West Ham last February, Nwaneri was the one to replace Saka on the right. He played 13 minutes and constantly combined with Martin Odegaard, who has been a reference point for his growth in recent seasons. In an October interview, academy manager Per Mertesacker said: “In Ethan’s case you see where he will develop and actually transfer his game into those pocket areas, like Martin Odegaard.

    “Ethan is an attacking midfielder who can play multiple positions but sometimes to develop his running in behind and defending as a winger (he may play elsewhere) and Mikel will use it to his strength.”

    That has proven to be the case. Nwaneri shows different qualities out wide from the ‘pocket play’ when he plays in midfield. The teenager was confident enough to go on the outside of Keane Lewis-Potter to get crosses in off his weaker right foot early on against Brentford.

    Nwaneri’s ball retention was then key after the game turned with Bryan Mbeumo’s opener. In a moment that could have contributed to the increasingly frantic nature of the first half, he received the ball with three players around him. A couple of feints later, he flicked the ball through to Jurrien Timber, who found Odegaard. The captain won a foul in midfield and a sense of calm was restored.

    Nwaneri was found again in a similar position two minutes later and skipped by a challenge before passing forward to Gabriel Jesus, who equalised in the same possession. Those dribbles are already one of Nwaneri’s standout traits. His nutmeg and drive past Lewis-Potter in the second half may have raised eyebrows to those watching on TV, but moments like that have been part of his game since he was in the academy.

    That ability saw him lead the game in progressive carries (five).

    A similar run and shot breathed life into the Emirates at 2-2 against Leicester City in September. In these moments, Nwaneri appears to glide with the ball more than running with it.

    “It was always there,” Des Ryan, formerly Arsenal’s head of sports medicine and athletic development and now director of sport at Ireland’s University of Galway, tells The Athletic.

    “You could see it at the early age groups. It’s a dream for a strength and conditioner/sports scientist because you don’t have to teach a person how to run (with the ball). He had the movement skills. You could develop his strength, so he could exert more force through the ground and condition him, so he could do it repeatedly. They’re the easy ones like with Bukayo and Serge Gnabry too.”


    Nwaneri had a part to play in Arsenal’s second and third goals (Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

    Importantly, like the academy graduate he was deputising, Nwaneri also played a key part in Arsenal’s second and third goals. His corner in the build-up to Mikel Merino’s goal was delivered perfectly to give Mark Flekken grief in the Brentford goal. This should not come as a surprise. Arsenal’s players and staff have trusted the youngster to take corners when he has been on in place of Saka against Bournemouth (when they were 2-0 down), Liverpool and Nottingham Forest this season.

    His crossing from open play helped create Gabriel Martinelli’s goal too. This was not a coincidence. In the team’s pre-match warm-ups, rather than playing the usual intricate passes inside the box, Nwaneri was whipping crosses to Merino at the back post.

    Considering all three goals Arsenal scored against Brentford last season were headers, that could have been a deliberate ploy. Neither Merino nor Martinelli’s goals were headers, but both players were beneficiaries of what can happen when crosses are used to ask questions of the opposition.

    A lot has happened between Nwaneri’s last outing at the Gtech Community Stadium and this one. Arsenal have grown into serious title contenders, while Nwaneri has had to mature as a young man and professional footballer. Navigating the growth of the club and talented young individuals is not easy, but in Nwaneri’s case, Arteta has not rushed to reward him with his first Premier League start.

    “Part of that development is patience,” the Arsenal manager added. “And managing frustration and expectations because you expect that everything is going to go so fast as the previous things did. That’s not the case. Now we’re building him. He’s already played a lot of minutes for us for the age he’s at and he fully deserves that.

    Nwaneri had already made 16 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions this season, starting three games in the Carabao Cup. On the back of his first league start, he has now played 432 minutes of senior football in 2024-25. That has come after a telling 189 minutes across five matches in pre-season.

    With a couple of Saka-less months coming on the right flank, Nwaneri has shown he is more than capable of being trusted by Arteta in various in-game contexts. A difference maker against the team with the joint-best home record in the league (Brentford and Liverpool have won 22 points at home this term), Nwaneri’s latest trip to west London was just as beneficial as his first, if not more so.

    (Top photo: Glyn Kirk/AFP via Getty Images)





    Arsenal can trust Ethan Nwaneri in Bukayo Saka’s absence – this is how he’s developed since debut

    With Bukayo Saka sidelined due to injury, Arsenal fans may be concerned about who will step up to fill the void left by the talented young winger. However, one player who has shown immense growth and potential in recent months is Ethan Nwaneri.

    Since making his debut for the Gunners, Nwaneri has impressed with his pace, skill, and work rate. The 18-year-old Nigerian winger has shown great versatility, being able to play on either flank and even in a more central attacking role.

    Nwaneri’s development has been rapid, and he has become an integral part of Arsenal’s youth setup. His performances for the U23 team have been consistently impressive, with his ability to take on defenders and create chances for his teammates standing out.

    In addition to his attacking prowess, Nwaneri has also shown a willingness to track back and help out defensively. His work rate and commitment to the team’s cause have not gone unnoticed by his coaches and teammates.

    With Saka out of action, Nwaneri has a golden opportunity to prove himself at the senior level. His potential is undeniable, and if given the chance, he could be the player to step up and make a name for himself in the absence of the star winger.

    Arsenal can trust Ethan Nwaneri to deliver when called upon, and his development since his debut is a testament to his dedication and talent. Gunners fans should keep an eye on this exciting young talent as he looks to make his mark in the first team.

    Tags:

    Arsenal, Ethan Nwaneri, Bukayo Saka, football, development, debut, Premier League, trust, young talent, Arsenal FC, soccer, rising star, youth development, talented player, Arsenal squad, English football, promising player, player analysis, player comparison

    #Arsenal #trust #Ethan #Nwaneri #Bukayo #Sakas #absence #hes #developed #debut