Arsenal have been ordered to relieve Bukayo Saka of the captaincy after the Gunners suffered a major blow in the title race

Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes suffered a major blow on Saturday when they lost 1-0 to Newcastle United, with Tony Cascarino questioning Bukayo Saka’s role in the team.

The Gunners’ lifeline was Manchester City, who lost 2-1 at Bournemouth, but Liverpool beat Brighton 2-1 to move seven points clear of Mikel Arteta’s side in the table.

Arsenal They now find themselves behind Liverpool, Manchester City and high-flying Nottingham Forest, who have made a fantastic start to the campaign.

Talking about Weekend sports breakfast talkSPORTCascarino said he believes Saka’s role as Arsenal captain in Martin Odegaard’s absence is having a detrimental effect on his performance.

“Bukayo Saka is a fantastic player and I speak highly of him all the time because I like his desire, his hunger, his goal, his intelligence as a player, his passing,” Cascarino said.

“I just don’t want him to be captain because I think he needs to be on his game and only think about his game.

“You have Declan Rice there. Give him the captain’s armband. You have Thomas Partey. I just feel like it’s time for you to go, Saka, you’re playing your game. I think some players just need to be given the opportunity to play their game.”

Arsenal called for Saka to be allowed to ‘get over it’

SakaThe 23-year-old is undoubtedly one of Arsenal’s most important players and has scored 10 goals in nine Premier League appearances so far.

The England international is one of the main reasons why the Gunners have become trophy contenders under Mikel Arteta. However, Cascarino, who made 620 appearances in his playing career, does not believe attacking players like Saka should be asked to wear the captain’s armband.

“When they’re a striker, generally, whether it’s a scorer or a striker, let them do it. “I just think Arsenal have enough captains,” Cascarino added.

“And it doesn’t take anything away from Saki because I think he’s an amazing talent and that’s what he should be. Just leave him to continue his game.”

Odegaard is the captain of Arsenal. Arteta has never officially named his vice-captain, but Jorginho has previously donned the armband in Odegaard’s absence.

But with Jorginho making just one Premier League appearance this season, Saka could be Arsenal’s stand-in captain until Odegaard returns from injury.

However, recent reports suggest Odegaard could return to Arsenal’s squad for Wednesday’s Champions League match against Inter Milan.

Arsenal review: Kudus linked / Thomas Partey’s latest contract

Meanwhile, Arsenal are reportedly keeping tabs on West Ham star Mohamed Qudoos. amid uncertainty surrounding Leandro Trossard’s future.

Trossard, 29, was loaned to Al Ittihad at the end of the summer, which was rejected, but the Saudi club remain interested in him and are ready to make him another offer.

Arsenal are big fans of Kudus and were interested in signing him before his £40 million move to the London Stadium from Ajax last year.

The Ghana international can play as an attacking midfielder or striker and that versatility is appealing to the Gunners as they look to expand their options across the pitch.

However, reports say an offer of £90 million may be needed to convince West Ham to sell Kudus, who is contracted until 2028.

In other news, Arteta admits midfielder Thomas Partey is a ‘big player’ for his team and now Arsenal intends to begin contract negotiations with him.

Partey, 31, is out of contract at the end of the season and Barcelona, along with several Saudi Pro League clubs, have expressed interest in signing him on a free transfer.

The central midfielder’s performances this season have demonstrated his importance to Arsenal and it will be interesting to see whether he agrees to sign a new contract with the north Londoners.

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