Le Tissier: Arsenal and Man United duo most likely to stop Cole Palmer claiming most assists
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka will top the Premier League’s assist charts next season but he will face a stiff challenge from Cole Palmer and a Man United star.
That is according to former Southampton and England star Matt Le Tissier, who told Football Insider exclusively that the Gunners’ winger would “rather assist than score a goal himself”.
Saka endured an injury-hit campaign for Arsenal last term, but still put up respectable numbers.
The England international found the back of the net six times, and assisted 10 goals in 25 Premier League starts.
That tally landed Saka fourth in the assist charts, behind only Mohamed Salah, Jacob Murphy, and Anthony Elanga.
However, with a full pre-season to recover and Arsenal securing a major upgrade by signing Viktor Gyokeres, the 23-year-old looks primed to top the table next season.
Cole Palmer and Bruno Fernandes make up top 3
This article contains exclusive comment from former Southampton and England striker Matt Le Tissier.
Saka’s main challengers for the title of the Premier League’s best creator will be Palmer and Red Devils captain Bruno Fernandes, Le Tissier told Football Insider exclusively.
The Portuguese midfielder also notched 10 assists and, much like his Arsenal counterpart, will have a new target up front, after Man United secured the signing of Benjamin Sesko.
Le Tissier said: “My top three in that regard would be Bukayo Saka, he’s always good for an assist as he’s not a greedy player.
“He always gets to a point sometimes where he’d rather assist than score a goal himself.
“Saka would be up there for me alongside Cole Palmer at Chelsea, who I think is a fantastic footballer and I think he’ll only get better and better as he gets older.
“He’s a really clever player, loves a goal as well.
“My third choice will be Bruno Fernandes, who has obviously been very pivotal and one of the few players that have come out with any credit the last couple of years.
“He’s always there or thereabouts, and he’s got better players in front of him now to convert the chances that he does create.
“He might be up there in the assists.”
Arsenal lead Tottenham in Eberechi Eze race
In the name of adding to Arsenal’s attacking talents, and therefore Saka’s assist tally, the Gunners are keen on signing Eberechi Eze.
However, the Crystal Palace star has interest from their rivals Tottenham, who are in desperate need of a number 10 after James Maddison‘s injury.
But Pete O’Rourke revealed to Football Insider exclusively that Arsenal are leading the race for Eze’s signature.
Palace would prefer to keep their star man, but are realistic about the fact that they will have little say if the 27-year-old decides he wants to leave.