“Bukayo Saka is Overrated” — Ex Manchester United star says

Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker has stirred debate among football fans by claiming Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is “a bit overrated” and suggesting the Gunners made a mistake letting Emile Smith Rowe leave for Fulham.

Speaking to bettingexpert, Parker didn’t hold back in his critique of Bukayo Saka, who has been hailed as one of Arsenal’s most influential players. Parker questioned Saka’s reliability and impact, pointing to his frequent injuries and struggles in games where Arsenal find themselves behind.

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“Saka is a bit overrated and he always seems injured, especially if Arsenal is behind in a match,” Parker said.

The former full-back argued that Emile Smith Rowe, who joined Fulham last summer after falling down the pecking order at Arsenal, could have been a better fit for the Gunners’ long-term plans than Bukayo Saka or Gabriel Martinelli.

“I think players like him (Smith Rowe) are what Arsenal need more than Martinelli and Saka,” Parker added. “Him and Ødegaard together would have been a great duo.”

Smith Rowe’s departure was seen as a necessary move at the time, with Arsenal focusing on their high-flying wingers and Martin Ødegaard’s creative influence. However, Parker believes circumstances have shifted, suggesting Arsenal may now regret losing a player with Smith Rowe’s unique skill set.

“It was the right decision for him to leave and for Arsenal at the time, even though things might have changed now,” Parker concluded.