24 January 2023 , 08:41
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Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has hailed his relationship with Gunners’ stopper Matt Turner - with the two striking up an unlikely friendship.
The North London side currently sit top of the Premier League and turned in a spirited display to overcome Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. The attitude within the Gunners’ squad has regularly been praised - something that has hugely helped them to move five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table.
The camaraderie within the squad is well evidenced by a friendship struck up between academy graduate Saka and back-up goalkeeper Matt Turner. The American only arrived in North London in the summer following a move from MLS side New England Revolution.
Whilst he has only been afforded five appearances for the side, the 28-year-old has already made quite an impression on the squad. Speaking with Men In Blazers, Saka has praised the blossoming relationship between the two while also joking that he was frustrated not to have scored against his club teammate at the World Cup as England and USA came together in the group stages.
He said: "I was very disappointed [that I didn't score] actually! We actually spoke about that before and he said I'm not allowed to score against him so I guess his wish came true.
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"Matt is a top guy. I love speaking to him. He's so funny. He teaches me some American slang words. Every time I see him, I just go 'You straight?' and he says it back to me [laughs]."
Bukayo Saka has hailed his friendship with fellow Gunners star Matt Turner (Getty Images)Who do you think Arsenal's player of the season is so far? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Saka has shone for Arsenal so far this season with the 21-year-old having eight goals and seven assists to his name in all competitions - a record that includes an outstanding strike in the victory against Man Utd. He could have actually doubled his afternoon’s work but saw another long-range effort bounce back off of the base of the post.
United icon Roy Keane claimed that the Hale End graduate is now good enough to find a place at any of Europe's leading clubs. Speaking to Sky Sports after the Gunners’ victory, the Irishman said: "The key for the player himself is that he [Saka] looks like he goes out and enjoys the game.
“He looks like a really nice lad away from the game which always helps but when he’s playing, he can beat a man. When you’re playing for the big clubs you need one or two players that can beat a man because that changes the picture in football matches.
“I like everything about him. I think he can go and play for any of the big clubs in Europe and play for them and i’m including Real Madrid in that.
“I think he’s that good. I think he’s fantastic. What a talent. I love watching him.”
Arsenal could have a decision to make over Saka's future at the Emirates Stadium with just 18 months remaining on his current deal - Liverpool having been linked with a move for his services.