Arteta Urges Saka to Raise His Goalscoring Output at Arsenal

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta wants Bukayo Saka to become a more prolific goalscorer by attacking dangerous positions more frequently and measuring his ambitions on a match-by-match basis. Speaking on October 13, 2026, ahead of Arsenal's next fixture against Lille, Arteta said the England international has the ability to score more regularly if he changes his approach to setting targets.

Saka has scored five goals in 11 appearances for club and country this season, according to The Telegraph. Four of those goals from open play have come from close range, indicating a shift toward more aggressive movement inside the penalty area.

His most productive season to date was 2023-24, when he scored 20 goals in all competitions for Arsenal. Arteta believes the 25-year-old can surpass that benchmark by concentrating on scoring opportunities in individual matches rather than calculating the number of goals needed to reach a season total.

Arteta dismissed the idea that Saka should simply aim to equal his previous best and explained the mentality he wants his attackers to adopt.

"No, I think the numbers should go to score two or three per game. That's it. That's the mindset.

And then if you score one, so be it. You score two, so be it, because Bukayo has the ability to score in many ways." Arteta said.

The Arsenal manager argued that focusing too heavily on a season-long target could distract players from their immediate responsibilities. He wants Saka and the club's other forwards to approach every match with the ambition of producing multiple goals.

Arsenal have worked to move Saka closer to goal from his usual starting position on the right wing. His winning strike against Aston Villa at the end of August illustrated the change, as he attacked the six-yard box instead of remaining near the far post.

Arteta said the tactical adjustment is intended to increase the volume of chances Saka receives, even when individual opportunities are missed.

"That is where we need to get him. If he misses the chance, so be it. In the end, the more volume we generate, the bigger the probability of him scoring more goals.

And he's been getting in great positions; he's getting shots, he's getting one-touch finishes, tap-ins. And that's the kind of unpredictability that we have created with that player. Because otherwise we know how the opponents are going to protect him."

Arteta said.

The manager remains confident that improved positioning will translate into more goals. Saka missed opportunities in recent matches against Brighton, Napoli and Leeds United, including a late chance against Leeds goalkeeper James Trafford, according to The Telegraph and Goal.com.

Arteta believes Saka could already have scored another four or five goals this season. The manager also acknowledged that a greater focus on finishing moves may coincide with fewer crosses and dribbles from the winger in the Premier League.

When asked whether this evolution represented the next step in Saka's development, Arteta backed his ability to make the transition.

"Yes," Arteta said. "For sure. And he can do that."

Arteta also praised Gabriel Magalhaes for his development into a leader since joining Arsenal from Lille. Reflecting on the defender's decision to take a penalty in the Champions League final, the manager said Gabriel had embraced greater responsibility despite the unsuccessful outcome.

"Yeah, I think Gabi's transformation since he joined from Lille has been incredible to witness. I'm so proud of what he's done in the manner that he's done it. First of all, his personal transformation, and then the way he has evolved all the qualities that he already had to become one of the big leaders of the team and of the club.

And he certainly deserves that. And that comes with responsibility. And he took that responsibility, and in that moment it didn't go the right way.

But I'm sure if we have the chance to do it again, that he will be there again." Arteta said.

The manager also welcomed praise for Arsenal prospect Max Dowman from Lionel Messi, who identified the youngster as a future star in an Adidas advertisement. Arteta expressed confidence in Messi's assessment and highlighted Dowman's performances during his limited first-team appearances.

"As close as Messi says. If Messi, who is the best ever player, says that. His eyes are, I think, better than anybody else's.

So hopefully he's right." Arteta said.

Dowman's technical ability and movement have already impressed the Arsenal manager, who believes the teenager possesses unusual natural talent.

"That he's got something special. In the few appearances that he had, he's already done remarkable things. And that's somebody that is touched with a special gift.

And it's a joy to watch the way he moves, the way he touches the ball, the way he carries himself is just different. And that's what makes him unique." Arteta said.

Arteta also defended Arsenal's demanding training standards following injuries to Piero Hincapie and Martin Zubimendi on Saturday. He said competitive sessions remained essential to maintaining the team's performance standards, despite the risk of injuries.

With a busy schedule creating opportunities for players outside the regular starting lineup, Arteta said the immediate priority was winning the next match against Lille. He also reiterated that Arsenal's broader ambition was to secure major trophies after coming within one penalty of achieving a significant result in last season's Champions League final.