Bukayo Saka highlights Alex Iwobi’s influence in shaping Arsenal career

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has spoken about the significant influence of fellow Hale End academy graduates Alex Iwobi, Jack Wilshere and Chuba Akpom during his formative years. 

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Saka, now a key player for the Gunners and England, revealed how he looked up to these role models as they paved the way for young players to break into the first team.

He explained how these players, who were close in age to him and his peers, provided a tangible example of what was possible for young players coming through the ranks.

“When I was in the academy, all of us used to look at Alex Iwobi, Chuba Akpom and Jack Wilshere,” said the forward. 

“They had come through the academy, were quite close to our age as well, and we got to go to a lot of games at Emirates Stadium, so we got to see them play a lot.

“We all loved watching Jack, and we saw a lot of ourselves in him, too, because he had come through the way we wanted to. The same for Alex and the same for Chuba.”

The 23-year-old England international also shared a special memory of receiving Akpom's shirt after a game at the Emirates. 

“I will always remember, in fact, when I got Chuba’s shirt after a game once," recounts Saka.

“I remember being so happy that day – I think I even DMed him on Instagram afterwards to tell him I got it! I was about 13 and it’s a great memory to have."

Arsenal return to Premier League action on December 27 when they host Ipswich Town at the Emirates Stadium. Saka will be uninvolved due to a recent hamstring injury that sidelines him for several weeks.