A report from Metro published on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, states that former Chelsea striker Carlton Cole has taken aim at Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka for his recent displays, calling the England international a “passenger” in Mikel Arteta’s side.

Saka opened the campaign in strong form, netting three goals across all competitions in his first few matches. Yet the 25-year-old has found it difficult to sustain that standard lately, going three Premier League games in a row without a goal.

The Arsenal forward featured for the full 90 minutes in his team’s 1-0 win against Nottingham Forest last weekend. It was substitute Noni Madueke, however, who clinched the result with the decisive goal, which only added to the scrutiny surrounding Saka’s recent struggles in front of goal.

Appearing on The Dressing Room Podcast, Cole cast doubt on the winger’s current impact and argued that Arsenal ought to create stronger competition for his spot instead of simply handing him a starting place by default.

"We have to look at Saka, I’m not sure man, he’s not doing it," Cole said on The Dressing Room Podcast. "I think he’s a little bit of a passenger at the minute and I hope that he does come good but he’s not quite there right now."

While Cole said he hoped Saka would rediscover his best form, he maintained that the player’s reputation should not shield him from competition when his performances dip below expectations.

The former striker further wondered whether Arteta holds Saka to the same standards he applies to the rest of the squad. He implied that the Arsenal manager may show the winger more patience, despite his recent shortage of attacking output.

Cole also pointed to the promise of young talent Max Dowman, arguing that emerging players deserve chances once they show they are ready to contribute at senior level. In his view, tougher competition could push established players to raise their level of performance.

The former Chelsea forward also expressed doubts about Eberechi Eze’s role on the left wing after the midfielder was withdrawn at half-time against Nottingham Forest. Cole argued that Eze might be more effective in a central role, though working out the ideal position for him poses yet another tactical puzzle for Arteta.

Notwithstanding the criticism, Saka remains a key figure in the Arsenal squad, and his recent scoring drought does not automatically reduce his overall contribution.

As the Gunners set their sights on competing for major trophies this season, Saka and his fellow attackers will be expected to produce more consistent performances. The fixtures ahead may give the winger a chance to quiet his critics and show why he is still one of Arsenal’s most influential players.