Bukayo Saka tipped to replace Mohamed Salah as Liverpool hero makes bold prediction

Former Liverpool and Arsenal winger Jermaine Pennant believes that Bukayo Saka can replace Mohamed Salah as the best winger in the Premier League once the Egyptian leaves Anfield.

Salah is out of contract at the end of this season and clubs in the Saudi Pro League are believed to be eyeing up a blockbuster free transfer. But he remains one of the standout stars of the English top flight, a status emphasised by his 81st-minute equaliser in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Sunday.

Saka was also on the scoresheet, skinning Andrew Robertson to put the Gunners ahead early on. And while Pennant feels he has the talent to replace Salah as English football’s top dog, he also believes he will only reach the summit once the Liverpool superstar departs.

When asked whether Saka is in the process of replacing Salah as the best wide man in the Premier League right now, Pennant told Jeff Bet: “No. When Salah leaves the league, maybe yes.

“[Liverpool boss] Arne Slot left Salah on for a reason and it was proved right because when you need that opportunity and need a guy in the box for the ball to drop to he will put it in the back of the net. So he isn’t replacing him as the best winger but when Salah goes it will be Saka.”

A point going to each team leaves third-place Arsenal five points behind Manchester City at the top of the table and four points behind Liverpool in second.

Mikel Arteta’s side must make up ground while battling a string of new injury concerns. Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber were both substituted on Sunday, while William Saliba served a one-match suspension.

Saka has notched a staggering 10 goal contributions in eight matches so far this campaign. With that in mind, Pennant believes that keeping him available will be vital for Arsenal to maintain their title challenge. “Saka’s fitness — he’s a massive player, so if he stays fit he’s going to be important to Arsenal,” the 41-year-old continued.

“He needs to stay fit, Arsenal need him. We’ve seen what they’ve been like without him when he hasn’t played, with [Martin] Odegaard too, the creativity and the goals have slowed down. He’s a huge part and they need him to stay fit as much as possible if they want to challenge for the title.”