‘Intelligent boy’ – Pires ‘not surprised’ by Arsenal, Saka development

Arsenal legend Robert Pires says he is “not surprised” by the development of the youngsters at the club, in particular Bukayo Saka.

Saka has been terrific for the Gunners since breaking into the first team back in 2019.

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He is enjoying his best season to date having scored nine goals in 28 Premier League appearances.

The 20-year-old is also an important player for England and is very likely to make Gareth Southgate’s squad for this year’s World Cup in Qatar.

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Saka’s upwards trajectory comes as no surprise to Pires, who scored 85 goals in 284 matches for the north London club.

“We’ve all seen his quality,” he told FourFourTwo (via HITC). “I’m not surprised by his career.

“I’m in contact with him and we chat from time to time. He asks me for advice, and he’s a very intelligent boy.”

Pires also praised manager Mikel Arteta for the mixture of youth and experience throughout his squad.

He added: “Saka, [Emile] Smith Rowe, [Gabriel] Martinelli… they’re all important players I really like. It’s the same with Aaron Ramsdale.

“Together, they represent the future of Arsenal and must grow alongside more experienced