Arsenal have sent a letter of complaint to the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) concerning the ‘rough treatment’ of key man Bukayo Saka.
This according to the Daily Mail, who also state that Saka was the third-most fouled player in the league (87).
Only Crystal Palace’s Jordan Ayew (117) and Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes were fouled more (92).
It is believed that the Gunners are dissatisfied with the accumulation and frequency of the fouls.
The London club believe opponents are ‘free to clatter’ the 22-year-old with little to no punishment received from on field officials.
The issue was first raised earlier this season as part of a wider discussion between all clubs and PGMOL.
Arsenal reportedly implored that referees should issue a yellow card for the first strong foul on the England international, as opposed to waiting for a second infringement.
What does this mean for Arsenal and Liverpool heading into this weekend?
Liverpool and Arsenal will face each other at the Emirates Stadium for the third round of the FA Cup.
The tie is set to kick-off on Sunday at 16:30 GMT.
Ironically, Bukayo Saka was partly culpable for the broken collarbone Kostas Tsimikas suffered against Arsenal.
Perhaps the referees will be more mindful of Saka getting fouled by Liverpool players this weekend.
Mikel Arteta’s concern could be linked to some of Saka’s injuries that he has struggled with on a long-term basis.
The 22-year-old has had a longstanding Achilles tendon issue, while he was also withdrawn against Lens on October 3.
In February last year, Mikel Arteta lamented the amount of fouls Bukayo Saka receives:
“He [Saka] needs to learn when to take certain balls, what to do with that ball, how to use his body, when to jump.”
“Wingers and talented players get kicked and fouled and get the demand to win games and that is the chance he has, that is his role in the team.”