Arsenal youngster Bukayo Saka insists he is ready to fight with striker Alexandre Lacazette for a regular starting role. Unai Emery is spoilt for choice when it comes to attacking options in his Arsenal squad and that competition in the forward line has helped them to enjoy a strong start to the term.
They head into Monday’s clash with Sheffield United at Bramall Lane in fifth but could end the evening as high as third if they take all three points away from South Yorkshire.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been key to their impressive form, scoring seven of Arsenal’s 13 Premier League goals in 2019-20, after starting all eight of their matches.
Lacazette was also in fine form, scoring two in three outings, before an ankle injury sustained in the draw with Tottenham in September left him on the sidelines.
In the Frenchman’s absence, academy product Saka has been afforded the chance to feature for the senior side.
Saka has started three games in the league while he has earned further gametime in the Carabao Cup and Europa League.
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He scored his first senior goal in the 3-0 triumph over Eintracht Frankfurt on September 19 and looks to be a star of the future.
However, the 18-year-old’s opportunities in the Premier League could be set to dry up with Lacazette pushing for a return.
The former Lyon man will be handed a late fitness test ahead of Monday’s clash and reports claim Arsenal are confident he will play some part.
Despite Lacazette’s imminent return, Saka insists he isn’t ready to back down as he looks to give Emery a selection headache.
Saka said: “Do I feel ready to challenge him? Yeah! “It’s always good to have all our best players available, all of us competing makes us push to play better and better. If one player is injured then others get an opportunity but I want everyone to come back and do the best for Arsenal.”
