Not Cristiano Ronaldo, Bukayo Saka reveals his favorite player during Arsenal academy days, his name is...

Arsenal's star winger Bukayo Saka has disclosed that he was a big admirer of Brazil international Neyma during his time at the academy. The English winger has gone to become one of the best players in the world in his position, having come through the ranks at the Emirates Stadium.

Neymar is Bukayo Saka's favorite player

In an interaction with Sky Sports. Saka disclosed his long-time admiration for former Barcelona player Neymar when questioned to pick from a number of stars. He said that he used to watch Brazilian star with his friends on YouTube while they were in the Arsenal academy as youngsters.

"I have to pick Neymar. I think, growing up, you know, he was probably the one I idolised the most out of all of them. I think there's probably not a clip on YouTube that I haven't seen... Yeah, I think me and my friends, you know, when we used to do education in the academy. Listen, I shouldn't be saying this, but we used to just get up YouTube and just watch Neymar's clips. The stuff he's done and the joy he's brought to the game, yeah I think I'm going to go with Neymar", he said (via @SkySportsPL).

Bukayo Saka debuted for Arsenal while Neymar was still a PSG player. The Brazilian winger was scoring absolute bangers during Saka's time in the academy, and was recognised as one of the best players in the world.

Bukayo Saka's stats at Arsenal

Saka has established himself into a cult figure at Arsenal, himself, since first playing for the senior team at left-back in 2018. Now 24, Saka has amassed 77 goals and 74 assists in 284 outings for the club

Arsenal closing in on Bukayo Saka's contract extension

Arsenal are close to announcing a new deal for star winger Bukayo Saka, as per reports. The Gunners are interested to extend the contract of the English player to match his status in the game today.

TEAMTALK has disclosed that sporting director Andrea Berta has successfully discussed the details with Saka and his camp, and a new contract has broadly been agreed. The England international will become the first player in the history of the club to earn a £300,000 per week salary once the new deal is completely sealed.

Saka's new contract will keep him at the side till 2031, making sure that he remains at the club for most of his career. He will join the likes of Ethan Nwaneri, William Saliba, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Gabriel Magalhaes in penning a new deal with Arsenal this year.