Robert Pires has taken back his claim Jeremy Doku is better than Bukayo Saka.

The former Arsenal star made headlines this week after his comments comparing Saka to Doku did the rounds, with him stating Saka lacks ‘consistency and experience’.

Saka is regarded as one of the best players in the Premier LeagueGetty

Saka is one of Arsenal’s brightest talents and a key starter under Mikel Arteta, as well as a regular international with England.

The 23-year-old scored 16 goals and assisted nine others in the Premier League last season as the Gunners finished second behind champions Manchester City.

Doku was part of Pep Guardiola’s title winning squad and contributed with three goals and ten assists in the league.

However, although Saka boasted better numbers for the 2023/24 campaign, Arsenal legend Pires originally said Doku was the superior player.

When asked by Wettbasis if Saka is currently the best winger in the Premier League, he said: “Bukayo still lacks a certain level of consistency and experience, especially in the big games.

“Perhaps this season, especially in the Champions League, he will show a more convincing face than last season when it counts.

“For example, in my opinion Jeremy Doku from Manchester City is a bit better because he is technically stronger, has better dribbling skills and is more imaginative.”

Pires’ comments were surprising, particularly to Arsenal fans, but it’s not the first time he’s claimed that Doku is better than Saka.

During a game of ‘winner stays on’ with blue Sport FR, the two-time Premier League champion with the Gunners was tasked with picking between Saka and other wingers in the English top flight.

Pires chose him over fellow Arsenal man Gabriel Martinelli, Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, Liverpool’s Luis Diaz, City’s Jack Grealish and Tottenham’s Heung-min Son.

Saka has been a consistent performer under ArtetaGetty

Originally, Pires did not believe he is the best winger in the leagueAFP

The Arsenal legend favoured City man Doku on the wingGetty

However, when Doku was read out, Pires paused before selecting him instead of Saka, with Mohamed Salah of Liverpool his eventual winner.

Now, Pires has made a U-turn on his take.

Taking to Instagram, he said: “Ahead of [the north London derby] I want to clarify that I think @bukayosaka87 is an amazing player and I have huge respect for him.

“A while ago I was asked to compare him to another player. I said the other player had better skills in some areas.

“This does not mean the other player is better than @bukayosaka87. I genuinely think @bukayosaka87 is better and a fantastic number seven.”

Saka has either scored or assisted in all of Arsenal’s first four Premier League matches this season as they eye another title charge.

How Saka and Doku’s stats were last season

He provided the cross for Kai Havertz’s header to open the scoring in their 2-0 win over Wolves before netting himself later on.

The Hale End academy graduate assisted Thomas Partey for Arsenal’s second goal in a 2-0 victory at Aston Villa before turning provider for Havertz again in the 1-1 draw with Brighton.

He also took the corner that Gabriel headed home that saw the Gunners beat fierce rivals Tottenham 1-0.

Doku on the other hand is yet to score or assist for City despite starting in the Community Shield and all their Premier League matches bar the 2-1 win over Brentford, in which he was an unused substitute.