Bukayo Saka opens up on Arsenal battle and reveals new fitness update

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Evening Standard

·10 ottobre 2025

Bukayo Saka opens up on Arsenal battle and reveals new fitness update

Gunners star thriving with added competition after making more history for England against Wales

Friendly competition: Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke are now rivals for both Arsenal and England

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Bukayo Saka believes the increased competition for places with both Arsenal and England will get the best out of him.

The winger, who scored England’s final goal as they beat Wales 3-0 in a friendly at Wembley on Thursday night, has been a regular for club and country over the past few years.

However, Saka now has genuine competition at Arsenal following the arrival of Noni Madueke from Chelsea this summer, with the latter also impressing for the Three Lions before suffering a knee injury last month.

Manager Thomas Tuchel has made England a competitive environment - leaving out big stars like Jude Bellingham for this camp - and Saka believes it will benefit him.

Another milestone: Bukayo Saka is now Arsenal’s all-time leading men’s goalscorer for England

The FA via Getty Images

“It’s pretty new to me, but at the same time, it’s fair and it’s healthy,” he said.

“It is only going to get the best out of me and any other players that are around me or in any other position in the team.

“It’s about us pushing each other and trying to get each other to perform at the highest level.

“I can see what the manager is building. You can see the healthy competition he is creating. Every time we train and play, everyone gives their best.

“We are building something good, and it is exciting to be part of it. I feel we’re progressing and going in the right direction under him (Tuchel).”

Saka has had a disrupted start to the season after he picked up another hamstring injury in August.

The winger was out of action for four weeks and, despite scoring in his last three games, insists he has not hit top gear yet.

“I started the season, picked up an injury, which kind of killed me a bit - but I am starting to feel good again,” said Saka.

“I am still not my sharpest, but I am starting to feel good again. I have scored in the last three games. I am happy with that and I want to continue like that.

“It has been a while since I put the ball in the back of the net in an England shirt. It makes it even sweeter. I’ve missed a few camps. It’s good to be back. It means everything to me.”