Interview

'This generation can take on the world'

Saka

The new generation of Arsenal players can "take on the world", according to Bukayo Saka.

Our tour of the United States has featured a number of academy prospects, from Eddie Nketiah, Reiss Nelson, Joe Willock, Zech Medley and Saka himself to new faces like James Olayinka, Dominic Thompson and Robbie Burton.

Add Emile Smith Rowe - on tour but unavailable - and new signing Gabriel Martinelli and it's clear we have a strong nucleus of young talent at the club.

"The players coming up from the academy are so special," said Saka.

"The next generation of us can be in this Arsenal team and take on the world. The boss is doing a good job of managing all of us, helping us to progress every day and to learn.

"There has been a lot of attention. It has been a pleasure to be here with some of the best players in the world. Every day we are trying to improve and train well."

Freddie Ljungberg has been added to the first-team coaching staff this summer and the former Gunner is a reassuring presence for the likes of Saka.

"Freddie helps Unai know who we are, tells him our strengths and weaknesses and comes to us individually and tells us what we need to do from Unai," said Saka.

"Unai does not have to speak to us directly, Freddie comes to us and tells us what we need to do. It makes the transition from the academy to the first team much smoother.

"I think Freddie is a really good manager. He gives us a lot of advice and has a lot of experience to teach us."