Mikel Arteta shared heartfelt sentiments regarding the recent departures of three Hale End graduates from Arsenal, which left Bukayo Saka feeling a notable loss.
Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah left for Fulham and Crystal Palace, respectively, while Reiss Nelson joined Smith Rowe at Fulham on loan, making Saka the sole academy graduate in the first team.
Saka expressed his feelings on the Men in Blazers podcast, saying, “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.” He added that it was difficult to see them leave but felt happy for their future successes, noting, “they’re three top, top players with so much quality.”
Arteta described Smith Rowe’s departure as “really sad” and reflected on their conversation, stating, “I have huge gratitude because he came into the team at a tough moment.” He felt that Smith Rowe significantly changed the team’s energy and expressed regret at not having fully utilized his potential.
Regarding Nketiah, Arteta acknowledged his need for more playing time, explaining, “Eddie is a top professional… who wanted and needed to play more minutes.” He wished Nketiah well in his new endeavor.
Arteta also praised Nelson for his impactful moments, specifically referencing a game against Bournemouth where Nelson scored a last-minute winner.
He noted, “Nobody remembers if he started or if it was off the bench. There are a lot of examples in world sport where players made the impact.”
Despite his talent, Nelson struggled for consistent playing time and was replaced by Raheem Sterling, who joined Arsenal on loan from Chelsea. Arteta recalled, “In the first ten seconds [of our call], I knew we have to bring him because he really wanted it.”
