Bukayo Saka names his best Arsenal team-mate – and it isn't Declan Rice or Martin Odegaard

Bukayo Saka names his best Arsenal team-mate – and it isn't Declan Rice or Martin OdegaardBukayo Saka has named an Arsenal icon as his best team-mate of all time, choosing the star ahead of current Gunners stars Declan Rice and Martin OdegaardCommentsSportTom Sunderland Sports writer08:55, 22 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesBukayo Saka snubbed Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard when naming his finest Arsenal team-mate(Image: Mike Hewitt, Getty Images)Arsenal talisman Bukayo Saka raised eyebrows by snubbing Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard when asked to name his finest team-mate. And in fact, the England ace opted out of choosing a member of the current Gunners squad entirely.‌Despite being just 24, Saka is now the elder statesman at the Emirates and the longest-serving player in Mikel Arteta's setup. Many players have passed through the doors since Unai Emery handed him his professional debut back in November 2018, yet one name shines brightest as his most influential colleague.‌While this season's squad have mounted arguably the strongest Premier League title challenge of the Arteta era so far, it's a figure from Saka's earlier days who remains at the top of his list. Rather than any current team-mate, Saka plumped for Mesut Ozil as the Arsenal player who left the greatest impression on him.‌"High quality player," said the winger while speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily when asked to give one name above all others. "Fun to play with him, fun to watch him."FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news and more on our dedicated Facebook pageThe mere mention of the German's name is likely to sit uncomfortably with some supporters. That's due to the circumstances surrounding Ozil's departure in January 2021.‌READ MORE: Mikel Arteta clashed with four Arsenal players and booted three out of the clubREAD MORE: Mesut Ozil's staggering net worth after ex-Arsenal star launched business with billionaireDespit...