Arteta explains how Saka is seeking to emulate his childhood hero C.Ronaldo

Mikel Arteta has explained how Bukayo Saka is trying to emulate his boyhood hero Cristiano Ronaldo in the Arsenal star's incredible start to the campaign.

Saka's goal and assist in the Gunners' impressive 5-2 win over West Ham on Saturday took his goal contributions in all competitions to 18. His tally of 15 in the Premier League is surpassed only by Liverpool's Mohamed Salah.

Arteta will be hopeful the Englishman extends his goalscoring streak to four games when they welcome Manchester United to the Emirates on Wednesday evening. And ahead of what could be a crucial match in his side's season, he spoke about Saka's ability to follow in the footsteps of the Portuguese giants.

“It's always good to watch,” said Arteta. “The way Cristiano started his career and when he came to Manchester United, probably no one expected him to be able to do that in the first few seasons.

“It was about his mentality, his work ethic, how he developed his skills, his chemistry with his team and playing in a team that also has the ability to be dominant.

'That is very, very important. I think Bukayo has that context and if he strives for that, I think it's positive.”

The 39-year-old played 236 league matches for the Red Devils, spread over two spells, after making his debut in 2003 as an 18-year-old.

Ronaldo went on to score 103 Premier League goals and collect three titles before completing a world record move to Real Madrid, where he enjoyed the best years of his career.

Saka obviously still has a long way to go to match Ronaldo's numbers, but the 23-year-old has improved his production year on year. This fact was highlighted by his manager, who claimed that the winger will improve because 'he wants more'.

“In terms of numbers, we see a shift every year in Bukayo,” Arteta added. 'He provides something else. He is adding things to his game, he is becoming more and more consistent and his numbers in terms of impact in goals and assists are incredible at this stage of the season.

'He can only improve, he can only get better. He has the right players around him to continue to do that and especially because he wants more.'

The Gunners welcome a rejuvenated United, who are unbeaten in their first three games under Ruben Amorim, to the Emirates on Wednesday. Despite sitting ninth in the standings, United are just four points behind Brighton, who currently occupy the last spot in the Champions League.

Arsenal, meanwhile, know they cannot afford another mistake if they want to win their first top-flight title in 21 years. The Gunners have been in improved form since the return of their captain Martin Odegaard, moving to second place after beating the Hammers.

However, they face a tough task to overtake runaway leaders Liverpool, who extended their lead at the top to nine points after an impressive win over defending champions Manchester City.

'You can see it [Amorim’s] fingerprints in what he immediately wants to do. He's been very clear about what he wants to do.” said Arteta. 'What he did at Sporting was remarkable after so many years. Especially the way he did it and the way his teams play.

'It brings energy to a new club and to the players, and that is always positive. But we have to concentrate on what we are doing.'