Arteta gives update on Nketiah's contract negotiations with Arsenal
Arsenal legend Cesc Fabregas has singled out young starlets Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka as the two Gunners players he enjoys watching the most. Mikel Arteta's side have had an up-and-down season so far, but their former Spaniard is keeping tabs on the progress of his old side and the two English youngsters clearly caught his eye.
Both stars were instrumental in Arsenal's 3-1 dismantling of Aston Villa last Friday.
Smith Rowe stole the headlines, however, by notching a goal and an assist on the way to a precious victory over the West Midlands side.
That took the 21-year-old's season tally of goal contributions to six in just 11 games as Arteta continues to give him a more prominent role in the squad.
Saka, on the other hand, had a quieter night at the Emirates, but he is already an established star for the Gunners despite only recently turning 20.
That should do their confidence a world of good as they attempt to steer the north London club away from a torrid start to the campaign, and towards a more consistent run of results.
Saka's showings from last season earned him a vital role for England at Euro 2020, while Smith Rowe has only truly put himself in the limelight more recently.
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Jamie Carragher, who watched on as the Gunners convincingly cast Villa aside, was full of praise for the one fans endearingly term 'the Croydon De Bruyne'.
"He’ll get England caps, absolutely no doubt," he told Sky Sports.
"I mentioned in commentary that it’s a nice problem for Gareth Southgate that we’ve got an abundance of great young attacking players now.
"Sometimes players just pop up and you can’t help but like them and I absolutely love that lad.
Emile Smith Rowe has drawn high praise for his superb dribbling ability (Image: GETTY)
"To watch him in full flow with the ball… sometimes you say things in commentary and you think, “Did I really say that?”
"I said in commentary that he’s the best player I’ve seen in the Premier League running with the ball.
"You’re thinking, “Have I forgotten someone?”, but when I see him move it just excites me.
"Running with both feet, the pace he goes at, it’s just a joy to watch when he’s moving with the ball."