“People always shading Saka as best Arsenal player but the truth is that He’s nowhere near the title, There’s no Arsenal without this particular player… take it or leave it” – Bruno Fernandes drops bombshell on Arsenal star that’s carrying the team, NOT Bukayo Saka!
When people talk about Arsenal’s rise under Mikel Arteta, the first name that always jumps to the lips of fans and pundits alike is Bukayo Saka. The 22-year-old has been hailed as the “Starboy,” the face of Arsenal’s future, and often described as the one dragging the Gunners back to their glory days. But according to Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, all the hype might just be misplaced.
In a stunning revelation, Fernandes openly claimed that while Saka is a phenomenal talent, he is not the player who has been carrying Arsenal week after week. Instead, the Portuguese midfielder pointed to a different figure in the squad, one who he says has been the true backbone of Arsenal’s consistency and fight this season.
So, who exactly is this Arsenal player Fernandes believes deserves the crown of “irreplaceable”?
The United skipper didn’t hesitate—he named Declan Rice.
Yes, the £105M signing from West Ham, who many rival fans mocked for his transfer fee, is the player Fernandes says has been “saving Arsenal from humiliation” in countless games.
According to Bruno: “People keep shading Saka as Arsenal’s best, but the truth is he’s nowhere near that title right now. Declan Rice is the one holding Arsenal together. Without him, Arsenal don’t win half of the games they’ve been winning lately. You can’t deny his importance.”
Why Rice, Not Saka?
Bruno’s comments might ruffle feathers among Arsenal’s fanbase, but his logic is hard to ignore.
Rice the Wall: Game after game, Declan Rice has been a shield in front of Arsenal’s backline, breaking up attacks, winning duels, and dragging his teammates forward when they look lost.
Big-Game Moments: Who can forget his late goals and clutch performances that turned potential defeats into wins? While Saka dazzles with flair, Rice has been the man rescuing points when Arsenal look dead and buried.
Leadership Presence: Even in just one season, Rice has brought a sense of leadership, composure, and grit that Arsenal lacked for years. Fernandes insists Arsenal “would collapse without him.”
Fans Already Reacting
Arsenal fans are torn. Some diehards agree with Bruno, admitting Rice has been the silent engine of the team. Others, however, argue that Saka’s creativity and attacking brilliance are still unmatched. But the truth remains: Rice has single-handedly dragged Arsenal out of sticky situations, a role no one can overlook.
The Brutal Reality
Bukayo Saka is undoubtedly Arsenal’s poster boy, but Fernandes’ claim exposes the uncomfortable reality: Arsenal without Declan Rice looks fragile, shaky, and ordinary. His presence has given Arteta’s men the steel and belief to dream of major trophies again.
Whether fans accept it or not, Bruno Fernandes has started a new debate that will rage on:
Is Saka really Arsenal’s best, or has Declan Rice quietly become the true king of the Emirates?