The Hale End Academy graduate was progressing through the ranks at the north London club during the latter period of the legendary Frenchman’s 22-year reign.
Saka made his senior debut as a 17-year-old the season after Wenger’s departure and has since gone on to cement his position as a vital component of both his club and national teams.
The 21-year-old enhanced his reputation further during England’s 3-0 win over Senegal last week, a victory which set up tomorrow’s mouthwatering quarter final against Wenger’s native France.
Speaking earlier this week Saka revealed that despite growing up in such close proximity to Wenger, the pair had never been formally introduced.
‘One of my biggest regrets was that I haven’t met Arsene Wenger,’ he said.
‘I know how much my dad loves him, how much everyone at the club loves him. I know what he has done for the club, of course.’
Asked about Saka’s development, Wenger pointed out on Friday that he had been made aware of a talented youngster breaking through the ranks at Arsenal and has been delighted to see the winger fulfil his potential on the biggest stage.
He said: ‘That’s very nice of him.
‘We’ll end up meeting each other one day, of course. I’m happy about his development and the fact he’s still playing at Arsenal.
‘I was told about him when I was still at the club, he was one of two or three guys who were coming through.
‘I heard some very good things about him, I’m told he has a very good mentality.
‘That’s reassuring because these days, players are glorified so quickly that it’s important for them to have good foundations.’
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