Bukayo Saka has the chance to hit an impressive Premier League landmark if he can find the back of the net for Arsenal once more.
And it is a landmark he could reach at the exact same age as his England teammate Harry Kane.
GettySaka has 49 goals in 117 Premier League appearances heading into the Bournemouth clash[/caption]
Arsenal travel to face a Bournemouth side who have had limited successes this season on Saturday 19 October at 5:30pm.
Andoni Iraola’s side have won two and drawn two from their opening seven games, and they find themselves in 13th place in the Premier League table.
The Gunners, on the other hand, are still unbeaten this season having survive a scare against Southampton just before the international break largely thanks to Saka‘s heroics.
And the winger now has the chance to add to his already exceptional list of achievements.
Having scored 49 goals during his seven top-flight seasons so far, he has the chance to make it 50 if he can bag just one more against Bournemouth.
Not to mention, Saka would become the youngest Arsenal player to reach the half century goal tally if he scores against the Cherries overtaking the current record-holder, Thierry Henry.
Henry was 24 years and 128 days old when he set the record, while Saka will be only 23 years and 44 days old on the day he faces Bournemouth.
It means Saka still has quite some time to snatch that particular record.
However, there is one other remarkable landmark that he could achieve – but this one will only stand if he scores on Saturday.
Saka will become the joint sixth youngest player ever to reach 50 Premier League goals if he scores, ranking behind Robbie Fowler, Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney, Romelu Lukaku and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Saka could reach the landmark at the EXACT same age as his friend and compatriot KaneGetty
The signs are strong since Saka scored in both of Arsenal’s meetings with Bournemouth last seasonGetty
Remarkably, England skipper Kane was also 23 years and 44 days old when he scored his 50th Premier League goal meaning he and Saka would share their spot on this list if the Arsenal forward is successful.
The former Tottenham striker bagged his 50th back in September 2016 as he got on the score-sheet in his side’s 4-0 thrashing of Stoke City.
As for Saka, he has scored twice in his seven Premier League appearances so far this season – in addition to the seven assists he has provided.
His recent record against Bournemouth is particularly good though, as he scored in his side’s home 3-0 win over them and their earlier 4-0 away victory too.
There had been concern over the 23-year-old’s fitness to play in the first game after the international break after he was forced to leave England’s Nations League camp.
But Three Lions interim boss Lee Carsley later revealed that Saka’s injury had not been a serious one, making it likely that he would be available for the Bournemouth game.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta confirmed that things looked positive for the winger, albeit with a final decision yet to made.
Saka hobbled off injured after playing for England in the international break
But his manager remained optimistic he could be ready to play at the Vitality StadiumGetty
“It is not a serious injury,” he told the media ahead of the game. “He is evolving really well.
“He has done a few things in the last two days. He wasn’t fit enough to play with the national team in the second game but we are hopeful.
“We have a training session this afternoon, he did some bits yesterday, let’s see if he can make it on time.”
Youngest players to hit 50 Premier League goals
Robbie Fowler – 20 years and 252 days
Michael Owen – 20 years and 256 days
Wayne Rooney – 21 years and 46 days
Romelu Lukaku – 22 years and 192 days
Cristiano Ronaldo – 22 yearsand 341 days
Harry Kane – 23 years and 44 days
Marcus Rashford – 23 years and 56 days
Emile Heskey – 23 years and 101 days
Erling Haaland – 23 years and 127 days
Andrew Cole – 23 years and 140 days
Chris Sutton – 23 years and 188 days