Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta has hinted that the club would back Bukayo Saka’s decision should he opt to play for England if Gareth Southgate invites him to the national fold.
However, the Premier League club will not force the youngster to play for the Three Lions but would support whatever decision he makes regarding his international career.
Saka has been a revelation this term for the Gunners, excelling in an unfamiliar left-back role. The kid wonder, coupled with his sweet left foot, is unnervingly calm in possession, has courage, and possesses a final telling ball.
He has attracted glowing praises from different quarters, including from teammate and France international striker Alexandre Lacazette who referred to the 18-year-old as the best young player in the English top flight.
Recent comments credited to Arsenal’s head of youth development Marcel Lucassen cannot be overlooked. He referred to Saka as having the potential to become one of the best three wing-backs in the world.
With Euro 2020 just around the corner and England’s left-back options all having question marks over them, Saka’s form has pushed the conversation around his international allegiance to the front burner.
But in quotes carried by football.london, Arteta refuses to force either England manager Southgate or Saka into making a hasty decision.
“I think he (Saka) is doing really well with us. International level is a different level,” Arteta said.
“It is up to the England manager to discuss whether he is ready to do that and what is he going to do with his squad.
“Whatever he decides, we will support the idea and the player.”
Saka is in contention to be named in the England U21 squad who play Andorra and Turkey in the UEFA Championship qualifiers later this month.
