Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta: 'Bukayo Saka targeting future Ballon d'Or win'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 02 November 2023

Arsenal boss Arteta: 'Saka targeting future Ballon d'Or win'

Head coach Mikel Arteta says that Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has spoken about his desire to win the Ballon d'Or in the future.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has revealed that Bukayo Saka has spoken about wanting to win the Ballon d'Or in the future.

In recent years, the winger has put himself into contention to be regarded as the best player in the Premier League, a consequence of his frequent appearances and impressive numbers.

A total of 25 goals and 18 assists have come from the last two completed top-flight campaigns, and a further four strikes and three assists have come from the 2023-24 season.

However, England's quarter-final exit from the 2022 World Cup and a lack of Champions League football for Arsenal in 2022-23 prevented Saka from finishing high in the listings when they were revealed for the recent edition earlier this week.

Saka had to be content with 24th position, four places ahead of Gunners captain Martin Odegaard who was 28th, with Lionel Messi being awarded an eighth trophy.

Arsenal's Bukayo Saka in action with RC Lens' Deiver Machado on October 3, 2023 © Reuters

Despite Saka's individual disappointment, Arteta has spoken of his pride at seeing two of his players recognised for their performances over the past year.

As quoted by the Evening Standard, the Spaniard said: "He (Saka) does think about it. He wants to be the best and I have discussed it with him. It's great they have those targets and that mindset.

He added: "I'm so glad as well that we had a few nominated in those lists. It's always good to look at yourself there next to those names and in those lists so it's a compliment to them for what they've done."

Arteta was also commenting on goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who finished in eighth place in the Yashin Trophy, which was won by Aston Villa and Argentina stopper Emiliano Martinez.

Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale and Takehiro Tomiyasu react on September 27, 2023 © Reuters

Ramsdale has endured a frustrating two months for Arsenal having lost his place in the starting lineup to Brentford loanee David Raya.

Although the England international returned to the first XI for Wednesday's EFL Cup tie at West Ham United, the North Londoners succumbed by a 3-1 scoreline.

Arsenal are next in action on Saturday evening when they square off against Newcastle United at St James' Park in a game where Ramsdale is expected to return to the substitutes' bench.

However, Odegaard and Saka will each start as Arsenal look to extend their undefeated streak in the Premier League to 11 matches, while victory may be enough to see them end the day in top spot in the table.