Sporting star names Arsenal duo as ‘the best in Europe’ ahead of Europa League clash

Sporting CP defender Jeremiah St Juste has named Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli as the top two wingers in Europe.

The Gunners, who currently lead the Premier League by five points, traveled to Lisbon on Wednesday night ahead of tonight’s Europa League round of 16 match against Sporting. Before the game, centre-back St Juste was asked if Saka and Martinelli were currently the top two wingers in Europe, to which he replied: “Yes, I think so.

“They have a lot of quality and prove that at the highest level every week, so it will be an exciting challenge.” Saka has scored 11 goals and provided another nine assists in La Liga this season, while Martinelli has also scored 11 goals and also provided two assists.

READ MORE: Arsenal gave Gabriel Jesus an injury boost ahead of Sporting CP as the striker returned to training

The Brazil international recently signed a new long-term contract extension with the north Londoners and during Wednesday’s pre-game press conference he urged his 21-year-old to do the same. Speaking of the Hale End Academy graduate potentially signing a new contract with N5, Martinelli said: “I will be happy because he is a very, very good player, one of the best young players in the world.

“He’s at his house, you know,” he said football.london. “Arsenal is his home and I’m sure he’s happy. And we’ll be happy if he stays and signs a new contract.”

When asked if he encouraged Saka to stay, Martinelli added: “Yes, we always have some jokes – me, him and [William] Saliba. But it’s up to him. But he will stay for sure. He loves the club”

Saka has just over 15 months left on his current deal at north London but the player has told the club he wants to stay while the Gunners are on the verge of signing their star player on a new deal. football.london understands. The 21-year-old will sign a long-term contract until 2028.