Saka has cemented his place as Arsenal first-choice left back with a series of impressive displays since Arteta took charge

In the reception of Greenford High School in Ealing, west London, a framed Arsenal jersey hangs on the wall alongside a picture of Bukayo Saka surrounded by his former teachers. Here, his story is regularly relayed to students as the perfect path: the humble boy who achieved his dreams as well as a first-class education.

“In the last year of doing GCSEs, Bukayo was out of school with Arsenal quite a bit, but he was brilliant,” Mark Harvey, his former PE teacher, said. “He knuckled down, got really good grades and came out with flying colours. In terms of a sportsman: superb. In terms of a student: role model.”

Saka, fourth from left, with his former PE teacher Mark Harvey, fifth from left, and other staff at Greenford High School

In the summer of 2018, Saka left school with four A*s and three As. Six months