Arsenal told Premier League star is ‘perfect replacement’ for Bukayo Saka | Football

Arsenal have been told that a Premier League star would be the ‘perfect replacement’ for injured Bukayo Saka.

Saka was forced off during Arsenal’s Premier League win over Crystal Palace on December 21 and missed the victory over Ipswich Town on Friday night.

Mikel Arteta initially said Saka would be out for ‘many weeks’ but then revealed his player had undergone surgery, meaning he might not be back until March.

Saka posted a picture of himself in a hospital bed on Saturday evening after his operation and vowed to come back stronger from the setback.

The 23-year-old has been one of the best players in the Premier League in recent years, starring for an Arsenal side that have repeatedly challenged for the title.

Saka had scored five goals and made 10 assists in 16 league games before tearing his hamstring during the victory at Selhurst Park.

Arteta has suggested Arsenal will not look to sign a direct replacement for Saka during the January transfer window and will instead look within as they look to cope without the England international.

But ex-Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke believes his former club should consider an audacious move for West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus, claiming he is the ‘perfect replacement’ for Saka and could also do a job up front.

Striker has been a problem position for Arsenal this season despite Kai Havertz’s solid all-round play and a much-needed revival from Gabriel Jesus.

‘Mohammed Kudus is a player that Arsenal have had a long-term interest in,’ Clarke told talkSPORT. ‘He is a perfect Bukayo Saka replacement who can also do a job up front.

‘Wonderful traveller with the ball at his feet. Could Arsenal test West Ham United’s resolve with a with an offer this month?’

Kudus has been one of West Ham’s most influential players since his £38m move from Ajax in the summer of 2023, scoring 17 goals over the past two seasons.

The Ghana international may be questioning his future at the London Stadium following West Ham’s poor first-half of the season under new manager Julen Lopetegui.

West Ham have just 23 points after 19 games and were thrashed 5-0 by Liverpool on Sunday night. Arsenal also put five past the Hammers last month.

Arsenal have generally impressed this season – only losing twice in 18 league games – but have still slipped nine points behind leaders Liverpool.

Giving his take on the title race, Clarke added: ‘The nature of it, the last two seasons where Arsenal have led the way and then been caught, to finish second, it’s pretty heart-breaking, even though there are loads of positives.

‘This time around, it feels very different because Arsenal are the chasers and that might suit us in the second half of the season.

‘It’s a different sort of pressure having to win, but also knowing that Liverpool have got the pressure of sort of looking over their shoulders. It’s exciting.

‘Arsenal’s defence is pretty phenomenal at the moment. They’re not really giving opponents a sniff.

‘It’s going forward. Do Arsenal have enough goals in them against teams that are really defensive?

‘It’s what Ipswich did last night that’s proving a little bit problematic, and Arsenal will have to get better at it.’

Arsenal return to Premier League action on New Year’s Day against London rivals Brentford.

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