Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta heaped praise on Bukayo Saka’s ‘vision and ability’ in the final third, after the youngster produced another standout display in his side’s 1-0 win over Olympiacos on Thursday night.
The 18-year-old took his assists tally up to nine for the season with an inch-perfect cross for Alexandre Lacazette’s winner in Greece.
That vital away goal gives the Gunners a good chance of progressing to the next stage of the Europa League.
After the game, Spaniard Arteta said: ‘I’m really pleased with the way he [Saka] has developed. And I’m really pleased with the way he’s handling these situations because there’s a lot of highlight on him at the moment, but he’s still really humble.
‘He’s still as keen to meet with my assistant, willing to improve. He’s a great kid and he makes big decisions in the final third.
‘He’s not someone who hides. He’s got the vision and the ability to execute when the spaces are really tight. That’s a gift.’
37-year-old Arteta will be keen on keeping the promising winger at the club, with reports that negotiations to extend his contract have hit a new stumbling block.
Saka has just 18 months remaining on his current deal, and the England Under-19 international is said to want to continue his progress by playing in Europe.
With the north London club marooned in 10th place in the Premier League table after 25 games, a season without European competition is a real possibility.
Another route into Europe for next season is by winning the Europa League, and the Gunners take their 1-0 advantage over Olympiacos to the Emirates Stadium for the second leg on March 27.
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