"Saka could easily be playing for Real Madrid" - Emmanuel Petit

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has been informed that he could “easily be playing for Real Madrid” by Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit, while also adding him to the Ballon d’Or conversation.

Saka’s exceptional performance against Real Madrid has drawn exceptional attention from Emmanuel Petit, with claims that the star winger would not look out of place at a club as prestigious as the Los Blancos.

The 22-year-old had a standout performance in a night full of bliss and perfection for the Gunners.

His outstanding display down the right flank caused endless trouble for Real Madrid’s defence, particularly David Alaba on Madrid’s left side of defence.

Saka was exceptional for Arsenal against Real Madrid in their 3-0 win the Emirates Stadium

Saka’s decisive runs constantly exposed Alaba, drawing fouls and creating very important moments that ultimately resulted in a free kick for the first goal of the game in the 58th minute.

In an interview with William Hill, Petit had nothing but praise for the 22-year-old:

“Saka could easily be playing for Real Madrid.

“He’s one of the best players in the world in his position, even at this early stage of his career.

“It’s incredibly rare to see someone return from injury and consistently perform at such a high level, as he did on Tuesday night.

“His contributions in terms of goals and assists are elite. Just look at his performance against Madrid — he was absolutely crucial for Arsenal.

“One-on-one, down the flank, he’s a nightmare to defend.

“If Madrid were to make a move for him, I’m sure their fans would be more than delighted.”

The former Barcelona and Monaco midfielder didn’t stop there. Petit further stated that Saka’s influence on Arsenal’s Champions League run could impact the Ballon d’Or race – especially with big names like Kylian Mbappé potentially exiting the competition early.

“The Ballon d’Or race is incredibly tight this year. Without a World Cup or Euros, the spotlight is firmly on the Champions League,” he said.

“That puts even more weight on performances from players still in the competition — Raphinha with Barcelona, Ousmane Dembélé at Paris Saint-Germain — they’re very much in the conversation.

“At this point, it could come down to something as simple as: whoever lifts the Champions League trophy might lift the Ballon d’Or too.

“After Arsenal’s first-leg win over Real Madrid, it’s hard to ignore the impact that could have on Kylian Mbappé’s chances.

“If he’s knocked out early, it dents his case. And on the flip side, if Arsenal go all the way, Bukayo Saka absolutely deserves to be in the Ballon d’Or discussion, but it may be tricky for him this season as he was injured for four months. But at the level he’s playing right now, you can’t count him out.”

The English international’s night was cut off in the 74th minute after what proved to be an ankle knock, but he should be available for the second leg, scheduled for April 16 at the Santiago Bernabeu.