Arsenal star Bukayo Saka set ambitious target as Invincibles reunited
Arsenal fans have been given cause for excitement ahead of their team's return to Premier League action, with Arsene Wenger joining Sir Alex Ferguson in the Premier League Hall of Fame.
The French manager, who led the Gunners to all three of their Premier League titles, was in charge for the iconic Invincibles season in 2003-04. The North London side have one of their best ever chances to add a fourth title, though, and this will be on their minds as they return to league action.
Mikel Arteta's Gunners play after challengers Manchester City this weekend, and there's also news on one of their star men. Here are the latest lines from around the Emirates Stadium.
Wenger opens up on Fergie battle
Arsene Wenger has spoken of the "honour" of sharing his Hall of Fame induction with Sir Alex Ferguson. The rival managers locked horns on plenty of occasions in the Premier League, with Arsenal fans retaining fond memories of the times when Wenger came out on top.
"I am very grateful to have been selected for the Premier League Hall of Fame," the Frenchman said. "We always wanted to give something special to the fans and when you have players capable of remarkable things, the most important thing for me is the obligation of perfection.
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Arsene Wenger has spoken about his Hall of Fame inclusion (AFP via Getty Images)"I'd like to be known as someone who loved Arsenal, who respected the values of the club and left it in a position where it can grow and become even bigger.
"To share this with Sir Alex is a great honour for me. It's like two boxers, you fight like mad and go the distance together. At the end of the day, you have respect and it will be a great opportunity to meet with him, share a good bottle of wine and memories of our old battles."
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Invincibles reunited
Members of Arsenal's 2003-04 'Invincibles' squad enjoyed a reunion dinner, with former Gunners favourite Ian Wright also joining the group. Wright shared photos of the occasion on social media, with a pair of one-time academy starlets joining some of the more recognisable faces from the London side's most recent title wins.
Several ex-Arsenal stars met up for dinnerPatrick Vieira, Thierry Henry and Robert Pires were among the big names pictured, while Darren Dein - son of former vice-chairman David - was also present. Joining the group were French duo Jeremie Aliadiere and Gael Clichy, both of whom were youngsters on the fringes of the first team at the time of that title win.
"Lovely dinner with the lads," Wright wrote in his caption for the photo. The ex-England international, who also played for West Ham and Crystal Palace in a long career, was part of Arsenal's first Premier League title campaign in 1997-98.
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Saka set challenge
Bukayo Saka has been enjoying his best ever season in front of goal (PA)Former Arsenal captain William Gallas has praised Bukayo Saka and tipped him to one day challenge for the Ballon d'Or. Saka is enjoying his best ever season in front of goal, scoring 12 in the league and 13 in all competitions, and is in with a chance of firing his side to Premier League glory.
"With the season that he is having now, I think he is maybe one of the best young players in the world," Gallas told Genting Casino. The 21-year-old followed his fine club form by netting in England's Euro 2024 qualifying win over Ukraine, and now has eight goals in just 26 international appearances.
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"You’ve got players that are a similar age who are also doing great things," Gallas added. "[Erling] Haaland is twenty two. I put him on the roof (laughs). I think you can put Saka just behind him. There are not too many players that are his age that are having a magnificent season.
"It’s good (Saka’s development). Every season he improves and takes his game to another level. I hope he is going to be one of the players that will challenge for the Ballon d’Or in the future because he has the quality for it."
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