Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka has admitted that he ‘misses’ three former team-mates following their recent departures.
This summer’s transfer window proved to be another busy one for Mikel Arteta’s side, with Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Merino and Raheem Sterling among new arrivals.
However, a number of players headed for the exit, with some of them having been on the Arsenal books for over a decade.
Emile Smith-Rowe joined Fulham in a club-record £27m deal to bring an end to his 14 years in north London.
Reiss Nelson later joined him in west london on a season-long loan after struggling for minutes at Arsenal.
Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka has admitted that he ‘misses’ three former team-mates
This summer’s transfer window proved to be another busy one for Mikel Arteta’s side
Meanwhile, Eddie Nketiah joined Crystal Palace in a deal worth £30m after 38 goals and nine years at Arsenal.
Asked how it felt to see his former Hale End team-mates head for the exit, Saka told the Men in Blazers podcast: ‘Yeah, I’m not going to lie, I’ve missed them a bit you know.
‘Since I came into the first-team they were kind of like my big brothers with the way they welcome me and stuff like that.
‘So yeah, it wasn’t easy to see them all go, but at the same time, I’m really happy for them because they’re three top, top players with so much quality and I’m sure they’re going to shine in the Premier League this year.’
While his childhood team-mates departed, Saka was boosted by the arrival of England team-mate Raheem Sterling.
Sterling joined the Gunners on the final day of the transfer window on a season-long loan deal after he was axed from Chelsea by Enzo Maresca.
‘We’re happy to have him here,’ Saka said. ‘I know the quality he has, I’ve played with him for England and watched him for years.
Emile Smith-Rowe (left) joined Fulham for £27m while Reiss Nelson (right) joined on loan
Eddie Nketiah joined Crystal Palace in a deal worth £30m after nine years at Arsenal
‘I know Raz really well and hope he can bring his special qualities to the team and help him us win.’
Arsenal have started the season unbeaten and were victorious in the north London derby against Tottenham on Sunday.
Arteta’s men will travel to Atalanta in the Champions League on Thursday before taking on title rivals Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday.