Saka puts pressure on Arsenal team-mates with Champions League prediction

Arsenal are gearing up for a huge Champions League quarter-final clash against Real Madrid and star man Bukayo Saka has made it clear it is the biggest game he will have played in for the club

Bukayo Saka has made it clear to his Arsenal team-mates that Tuesday night’s Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid is the biggest game of his time at the club. The fit-again England star is expected to make his first start for the Gunners since December against the Spanish giants having recovered from hamstring surgery in the nick of time.

And asked on the eve of the clash to rank where the fixture sits among the most important of his career, Saka said: “I think in an Arsenal shirt, it probably will be yeah.” Saka has appeared in two European Championship finals for England, losing on both occasions.

He also addressed talk of a new contract. Despite having more than two years left on his current deal, Arsenal are keen on tying down the homegrown star to a much longer contract.

And Saka said: “I want to win and I want to win wearing this badge. It is pretty clear, the fans know how much I love them.

"You saw when I came on (against Fulham last) Tuesday, they love me back. So it is a good relationship. I am really happy to be here and I am focused on winning.

“I don’t think anyone is really in a rush. I have got two years left on my contract so it’s pretty relaxed. Everyone knows my thoughts and I’ve let you guys know as well, so I don’t think there is much else really.”

Mikel Arteta, who is without defender Gabriel due to a season-ending hamstring injury, has no fresh injury concerns from the draw away to Everton on Saturday.

And asked about Saka’s condition following two substitute appearances since his comeback, Arteta said: “He's in a much better place.

"Gradually we have built his minutes in the last six or seven days. He's coped with that really well and he's in a good place to be able to be used.”