Rio Ferdinand's 'scary' Arsenal prediction now looks spot on three years after he first made it

Rio Ferdinand made a prediction about Arsenal three years ago which now looks spot on.

Ferdinand is not always known for being completely accurate with his predictions, having famously claimed that Sheikh Jassim was on the verge of completing a takeover at Manchester United – a full six months before Sir Jim Ratcliffe finalised his deal for a minority stake in the club. Check it out below.

But the former United defender has completely nailed it with another prediction he made back in 2020 about two Arsenal players.

Speaking after Arsenal's 3-1 home victory over Chelsea on Boxing Day that year, Ferdinand tipped Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli to go on to become key players for the Gunners.

"I watched Martinelli at Bournemouth away last season, him and Saka together, they have a link up and a relationship that's already there," said Ferdinand.

"I think in years to come will be a scary relationship. Scary!

"They work so well together. And [Kieran] Tierney as well backing it up. But Martinelli, I have to say is going to be a tremendous footballer. Top player.

"He has come back into this team and he is showing what all the fuss was about before. He is going to be a huge, huge player. Massive talent.

Saka and Martinelli are key players for Arsenal (Image: Getty)

"I just hope he can stay fit. Saka, him as well."

At the time, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was massive pressure after a seven-game run without a victory.

They eventually finished eighth in the Premier League that season.

The Gunners have come a long way since then, with Saka and Martinelli both playing a key role in their improvement under Arteta.

Saka has scored eight goals and provided 12 assists in all competitions this season, while Martinelli has managed four goals and three assists.

Arsenal are currently top of the Premier League, one point ahead of Liverpool and Aston Villa.

They next face London rivals West Ham at the Emirates on December 28.

Topics: Rio Ferdinand, Football, Arsenal, Manchester United, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Premier League

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan