Former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has recently provided a significant assessment of the club’s all-time greatest players. This undertaking involved evaluating talent across different historical periods, leading to a compelling assertion. Walcott’s final assessment positioned a contemporary star, currently playing under manager Mikel Arteta, ahead of a revered legend from the club’s iconic “Invincibles” era. Such comparisons invariably ignite passionate debate among the Arsenal faithful and throughout the broader football community, underscoring the rich tapestry of talent that has graced the North London club’s ranks over decades. The discussion highlights the subjective yet deeply held perspectives on player influence and lasting legacy within the sport. Walcott, a former winger himself who contributed significantly during his time at the Emirates Stadium, brought his unique insight to this challenging yet engaging task of generational comparison.
Robert Pires: The Invincible Icon
Robert Pires, the French international, remains a central figure in Arsenal’s storied history, particularly celebrated for his pivotal role in the club’s unparalleled 2003/04 Premier League season where they achieved an unbeaten run. His elegant style, incisive runs, and crucial goal-scoring ability from midfield were instrumental in Arsène Wenger’s tactically sophisticated side. Pires’ tenure at the club commenced in the year 2000, following his transfer from Olympique Marseille, a move orchestrated by then-manager Arsène Wenger. During his impactful spell in North London, Pires amassed a formidable record of 284 appearances across all competitions. Within these matches, he directly contributed to 147 goals, scoring 84 and providing an additional 63 assists, showcasing his consistent offensive output. Beyond individual statistics, Pires’ contributions were central to Arsenal securing two Premier League titles and lifting the FA Cup on three separate occasions, cementing his legacy as one of the club’s most effective and celebrated wide players.
Walcott’s Bold Elevation: Bukayo Saka
Theo Walcott, a player who himself experienced the transition through different phases of Arsenal’s development, has now made a significant statement regarding the caliber of Mikel Arteta’s current squad. Walcott expressed a clear belief that one of the present-day Arsenal talents has already surpassed the achievements and influence of the esteemed French legend, Robert Pires. This specific individual identified is Bukayo Saka, an academy graduate whose rapid ascent through the club’s youth ranks into a foundational first-team player has been well-documented. At merely 24 years of age, Saka has firmly established himself not just as a vital component of the current Arsenal team, but also as an undeniable hero to the club’s supporters. His career statistics to date are indicative of his immense impact: Saka has featured in 203 competitive appearances for the North London side, contributing an impressive 55 goals and providing 51 assists. These figures highlight his consistent productivity and crucial offensive role. Furthermore, reports indicate that Saka is nearing the finalisation of a new, lucrative contract with Arsenal, reflecting his irreplaceable status within Mikel Arteta’s tactical framework and the club’s overall strategy.
The Walcott Ranking Breakdown: Saka’s High Standing
Walcott’s controversial yet considered assessment was undertaken as part of a blind ranking exercise featuring various iconic Arsenal figures. The result saw Bukayo Saka positioned notably high, securing the fourth overall spot among a pantheon of legends, while Robert Pires was placed at the seventh position. Walcott’s broader list provides fascinating insight into his hierarchy of Arsenal greats. The esteemed former manager Arsène Wenger was accorded the top position, a testament to his transformative impact and enduring legacy as the club’s most successful tactician. Dutch master craftsman Dennis Bergkamp, celebrated for his sublime skill and visionary play, was ranked second. Prolific goalscorer Thierry Henry, widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s greatest ever players, occupied the third spot. Interestingly, Walcott voiced a personal preference, suggesting he would have ranked Henry higher, specifically ahead of Bergkamp, if given the opportunity to reconsider the blind selection order. Legendary English striker Ian Wright completed Walcott’s top four. This particular ranking by Walcott also contrasts with previous public statements from other former players, notably Sol Campbell, a defensive stalwart from the “Invincibles” squad. Campbell had previously indicated a preference for Pires over Saka when drawn into direct comparison, underscoring the diversity of opinion surrounding these generational talents.
Pires’ Own Commendation of Saka’s European Caliber
Adding another layer of complexity and validation to the discussion surrounding Bukayo Saka’s escalating stature, Robert Pires himself has been vocal in his admiration for the young Arsenal star. In comments made public during March 2025, Pires delivered a particularly effusive endorsement, categorizing Saka as one of Europe’s foremost talents in his designated position. Speaking to The Athletic, Pires provided specific, articulate reasoning for his high regard for Saka. He stated precisely: “Bukayo Saka is one of the best players in Europe in his position. He has that ability to always get past his opponent. As soon as he receives the ball, if he sees that there’s space behind the defender, he goes for it. I also think he’s progressed a huge amount in his off-the-ball work. He always offers a pass when a team-mate’s on the ball.” This direct quotation from a celebrated former Arsenal winger not only validates Saka’s contemporary impact but also provides a professional peer’s analytical breakdown of his key attributes. Pires’ observations highlight Saka’s aggressive attacking instincts, his consistent ability to beat defenders, and his improved tactical awareness and contribution to team play when not in possession, underscoring the comprehensive nature of his development. Such praise from a player of Pires’ pedigree inevitably strengthens the argument for Saka’s elite status within modern European football.
Legacy, Evolution, and Future Outlook at Arsenal
The dynamic evaluation presented by Theo Walcott, placing Bukayo Saka in such an esteemed position relative to Robert Pires, serves to highlight the perpetual evolution of football and the differing metrics by which greatness is measured across eras. While Pires was a cornerstone of a team that achieved an unparalleled domestic unbeaten record and secured a significant collection of major domestic trophies, Saka represents the vanguard of Mikel Arteta’s re-invigorated Arsenal, a side intensely focused on re-establishing its dominance in both the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. The consistency, adaptability, and leadership qualities displayed by Saka at a relatively tender age provide robust justification for his elevated standing in such high-profile comparisons. The ongoing narrative at Arsenal will continue to intertwine the club’s illustrious past, embodied by figures like Pires, with its ambitious present and future, spearheaded by talents such as Saka. Walcott’s candid assessment undoubtedly enriches this historical and contemporary dialogue, prompting further reflection on what defines a true Arsenal legend. The original publication date for this report was November 9, 2025. A notable image associated with this discourse captured Bukayo Saka executing a penalty on November 4, 2025, during a UEFA Champions League league phase match between Slavia Prague and Arsenal FC in Prague, Czech Republic. This specific match moment further illustrates Saka’s crucial role in contemporary high-stakes encounters.