Inside Bukayo Saka and Mikel Arteta relationship as Arsenal star makes 'ups and downs' claim

Bukayo Saka says Mikel Arteta is the perfect coach for him as the Arsenal star lifted the lid on their relationship. Saka made his debut for the Gunners back in 2018 aged just 17, with former manager Unai Emery showing huge faith to give him his first shot in the first team.

But since Arteta replaced Emery, the now 24-year-old has grown into one of the biggest stars in world football and is part of the leadership group under his Spanish manager.

Arteta has helped shape Saka since he was 19, and he often wears the armband in Martin Odegaard's absence. Arteta clearly trusts Saka and the feeling is very much mutual, with the England international opening up on his manager in an in-depth interview.

• Paul Scholes doubles down on contested Declan Rice comment after Arsenal backlash
• Referee who 'amazed' Mikel Arteta with red card decision appointed for Burnley vs Arsenal

Speaking to Sky Sports, Saka admitted Arteta's "ups and downs" throughout his playing and managerial career have made him a better coach - and he revealed they have a great relationship.

He said: "I think the relationship's always been really good with Mikel. He's always put a lot of trust in me from a young age until now. I'm always grateful for that and for the fact he always believed in me.

"So, there's not much more I can ask from my coach. For me, he does what he needs to do. I don't need much as a player. I think naturally he's evolved. With the different experiences he's gone through, the ups and downs, and I think he's a better coach for it."

Arteta, who has seen the Gunners falter in their last three bids for Premier League glory, has overseen an impressive campaign so far. The north Londoners are four points clear at the top of the league, and boast six and seven-point leads over Manchester City and Liverpool respectively.

And Saka is hopeful that they can finally bring the title back to north London. He added: "I feel like, when you're an Arsenal player, there's just always constant talk about where you're finishing and how you're performing.

"Sometimes I feel like it's even over-analysed, but this year I feel we're a very strong group and we've got a lot of quality. We've suffered a lot of injuries already, but the players that have come in have shown that we can all keep the level at the highest, and that's what it's going to take for us to go all the way.

"I think that's where we've slipped off in a few seasons, but this season, we've got that and it's making me really believe we can do it. I've been in the title race the last three years now and finished second in all of them.

"Just the understanding from that and what I've learnt is that now it's not so important. It's in April, that's when you need to be there and that's where you need to try and be top. "Now it's about standing around it, building your momentum and then going on a run of performances."