Promising Nigerian winger Bukayo Saka is battling to be included in Arsenal's match day eighteen when they face Newcastle United in their first competitive match of the season on Sunday, August 11.

On Saturday, the Hale End Academy product was called up to train with the first team by manager Unai Emery ahead of their trip to the north-east of England.

Saka's chances of making the provisional squad are high following the transfer of winger Alex Iwobi to Everton just before the window closed while there are doubts over the fitness of attack-minded pair Nicolas Pepe and Alexandre Lacazette.

The 17-year-old showed promise in the Gunners last pre-season game vs Barcelona and his creativity from the wing was impressive.

He has played four official matches since his first team debut, with Arsenal winning all the games and he seems destined to add to those appearances this season. 

Saka has been constantly selected for England youth teams since 2016 and the Nigerian Federation have to fight for his services if they are interested in capping him.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com