Anna 
Bukayo Saka’s return from injury has reignited Arsenal’s Champions League hopes and reminded fans exactly why he’s considered untouchable at the club.
A viral TikTok video from @goalglobal once posed a tempting scenario to Arsenal supporters: win the Premier League, but sell Saka. The overwhelming response? “No deal.” The fans’ love for Saka runs deep. “That’s our star boy, that’s like your son,” said one fan. The video racked up over 3 million likes, reflecting just how much the 22-year-old means to the club.
That affection was also on full display in the summer of 2021, after Saka missed a crucial penalty in the Euro final with England. Despite the online abuse that followed, Arsenal supporters flooded him with messages of love and encouragement. Spurs fans even applauded him during a pre-season friendly—a rare show of respect from rivals.
Saka isn’t just a talented winger. He’s an academy graduate, a lifelong fan, and a symbol of Arsenal’s resurgence under Mikel Arteta. Since making his debut under Unai Emery, he has been key to the team’s rise to the Premier League summit and their re-entry into Europe’s elite competitions.
Arteta has built his attack around Saka’s one-on-one ability. He often uses Martin Ødegaard to draw defenders away and open space for Saka to operate. When Saka gets the ball, there’s an unmistakable buzz around the stadium. Even when he doesn’t strike gold on the first attempt, the team keeps feeding him the ball. Because eventually, he delivers.
That’s why his absence was so deeply felt. After suffering a hamstring injury against Crystal Palace in December, Saka missed more than three months of action. In that time, Arsenal won just 7 of 12 league games and were knocked out of both domestic cups. Saka, despite the layoff, still leads the team in combined goals and assists this season.
His return last week against Fulham brought a wave of energy. He started on the bench, but the crowd erupted when he entered in the 66th minute. Just seven minutes later, he scored.
Arsenal had hoped to survive their Champions League last-16 tie against PSV without him—and they did. But having him back for the quarter-final against Real Madrid was always the dream scenario.
In Tuesday’s 3-0 first-leg win over the defending champions, everyone had a moment. David Raya made a vital save on Kylian Mbappé. Mikel Merino added a third goal. Declan Rice delivered two breathtaking free-kicks—his first ever in over 400 games. But Saka? He gave Arsenal something only he can.
He didn’t start the match perfectly. A loose touch led to a Real Madrid break, and a scuffed cross fell short. But he kept pushing. That’s Saka. He earned both free-kicks that Rice converted. He glided past Jude Bellingham with ease, created space with subtle hip feints, and whipped in dangerous crosses. He doesn’t rely on speed like Mbappé, but rather precise, economical movement and clever touches.
With the second leg at the Bernabéu looming next Wednesday, Arsenal’s message is loud and clear. “We go there to win,” said William Saliba—four times in a single interview. Declan Rice and Arteta echoed the same determination.
And with Saka back in full flow, Arsenal’s ambitions feel not just alive—but entirely possible.
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