Arsenal’s saga with PGMOL continues! Mikel Arteta claims club HAVEN’T complained to referees over rough Bukayo Saka treatment as he denies 'specific' contact

Reports emerged on Wednesday that the Gunners had appealed to England's central refereeing body asking for increased protection of Saka. According to The Daily Mail, Arsenal have asked for opponents to be booked after "the first strong foul" on their star man.

But Arteta denied that Arsenal had referenced any specific issues in their contact with PGMOL: He told reporters on Friday (via BBC): "That’s daily communication. We have certain topics but nothing specific about that one. I think the referees know the tactics of the opponents and that some players invite more tackles. I think that's been going on for two years. We have wingers that provoke a lot of fouls and attention. That's something normal."

Arteta and Arsenal have made headlines for their relationship with PGMOL on multiple occasions this season. Most recently, Arteta avoided a ban for criticising referees — an event that was met with controversy around the Premier League.

Saka is among the most fouled in the Premier League this seaosn, but ranks third on the list, behind Crystal Palace's Jordan Ayew and Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes.

The Gunners are set to play Liverpool in the FA Cup 3rd round on Sunday. Saka will likely be in the starting XI for that clash.