Bukayo Saka 'idolises' Cristiano Ronaldo - and Mikel Arteta backs Arsenal superstar for 'aiming' to reach CR7's levels

Saka is in red-hot form at the moment, having contributed with seven goals and assists in Arsenal's last three matches across all competitions. In their latest outing against West Ham in the Premier League last weekend, the England star scored one goal and provided two assists to help his side register a 5-2 win at London Stadium.

Gunners boss Arteta has heaped praise on the England international as he hoped that the 23-year-old winger would emulate the success of Al-Nassr star and Portugal icon Cristiano Ronaldo, whom Saka idolises. The Spanish manager further advised the player to imbibe qualities like the mentality, skills and work ethic of the ex-Manchester United star.

Speaking to reporters, the 42-year-old coach said: "To look is always good! And probably, the way Cristiano started his career and when he joined Manchester United, nobody probably expected in the first few seasons [he would] be able to do that.

"But again, it was about his mentality, his work ethic, how he developed his skill, his chemistry with his team and to play in a team that has the capacity as well to be dominant. That is very, very important. I think B has got that context and if he is aiming for that, I think it is a positive thing."

Saka will aim to continue his terrific run of form in the midweek as the north London outfit take on rivals Manchester United in a crucial Premier League encounter on Wednesday night at Emirates Stadium.