Mikel Arteta hints at academy star that is the 'next Bukayo Saka' with huge Arsenal decision

Mikel Arteta will be hoping he can unearth another Bukayo Saka in the coming years having seen the impact the Hale End graduate has had on his Arsenal team. Despite only being 22, Saka is the talisman for the current Gunners side and even during their tricky period under Arteta, was the clear shining light.

Across the 184 appearances he has already made for the first team, Saka has 40 goals and grabbed 42 assists. The England forward has also made 29 appearances at a senior level scoring 11 goals in the process, showcasing the clear impact he has already had for both club and country.

With Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah and Rice Nelson also among the stars developed through the ranks currently in Arteta's squad, there is a clear pathway to the first team. Folarin Balogun's timing of a breakout season was unfortunate with Gabriel Jesus signed from Manchester City 12 months earlier and Nketiah signing a new long-term contract last summer.

However, Arsenal were able to benefit from his spectacular form by selling him to AS Monaco in a deal worth €40million (£34million) with a 17.5% sell on clause. However, the main aim of the academy is to get young players ready for the step up into the first-team picture and a bold decision from Arteta could have hinted at the next starlet ready for the jump.

On Monday evening, Arsenal confirmed their 25-man List A Champions League squad with 18-year-old Lino Sousa listed in the section of defenders. Sousa joined the club 18 months prior from West Brom, aged 16, and was included in the youthful squad Arteta took to Brentford last season which also saw Ethan Nwaneri go on to become the youngest player to ever appear in a Premier League game at 15 years and 181 days old.

Nwaneri was very nearly