MIKEL ARTETA has called on Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard to evolve into Arsenal’s own version of Andres Iniesta and Xavi.

The Gunners captain, alongside playmaker Odegaard, has forged a nearly telepathic bond with winger Saka on the right wing, which has become the primary source of the team’s goals in recent seasons.

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Since Odegaard’s comeback from a two-month ankle ligament injury last month, 51.4 percent of their chances have been created down the right flank—the highest percentage in the Premier League.

In their 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest on November 23, they linked up for 36 passes—recording the second-highest total between two non-defensive players this season.

Last season, they generated 40 open play chances for one another in the Premier League, passing to each other 322 times.

Only Manchester City’s Rodri and Mateo Kovacic made more chances, setting aside center-backs.

Despite the impressive statistics, trophies under Arteta’s guidance have not yet been secured—unlike the silverware collected by legends Iniesta and Xavi throughout their illustrious careers.

During their tenure at the Nou Camp, they clinched seven La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies, among various other accolades.

They played crucial roles alongside stars like Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez, and Neymar—key figures that propelled Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona toward European championships and historic Trebles season after season.

This is the aspiration Arteta holds for both Odegaard, 25, and Saka, 23, as the North London club aims to end their 20-year pursuit of a Premier League title—especially as they currently trail leaders Liverpool by nine points.

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As Arsenal gears up for their clash with Manchester United, Arteta reflected on whether he’s witnessed a better partnership between players: “Yes. I always think of Barcelona with Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets. It was exceptional.

“They didn’t even need to look at each other.

“Our two center-backs [William Saliba and Gabriel] share a natural chemistry that’s fantastic.

“We strive to nurture these connections further as there’s something unique that’s challenging to measure.

“But once relationships develop organically, the team improves greatly.”

Arteta is anticipating facing Ruben Amorim, who is 39, as he visits the Emirates just weeks after taking charge of Manchester United—recording one draw and two wins in his first three matches across all competitions.

Jorginho encourages Arsenal star Bukayo Saka to become England’s fifth-ever Ballon d’Or winner and break a 23-year drought

Having been in his late thirties when he began his first role in English football, Arteta comprehends the hurdles of quickly adjusting to a significant club necessitating patience and understanding in results.

Since joining Arsenal in December 2019 at the age of 37, he has shared his experiences with Amorim, who is currently 42: “How unpredictable the job can be.

“I entered a new role mid-season amidst unique social circumstances. Shortly after, COVID struck.

“You can plan everything, but football often brings unexpected situations; you need to adapt. Embrace what comes and manage it.”

“You can already see his influence [at United] in his immediate vision. He’s been clear about his objectives. What he achieved at Sporting Lisbon was remarkable after so many years.

“His methodology and the style his teams display inject energy into a new club, which is always a positive sign. Nonetheless, we must remain focused on our goals.”

Regarding United—currently 15 points behind Liverpool in their title chase—Arteta stated: “We’re still quite early in the season.

“Any team capable of winning five or six consecutive matches will contend as the competition is fierce, and weekly, we see teams struggling to maintain consistent victories.”

“Therefore, I believe anything can happen.”