Former Arsenal center-back, Kolo Toure, has called on the club to avoid past mistakes and hand Bukayo Saka a 10-year contract.
Saka has been a pivotal figure in the Gunners’ Premier League title aspirations this season, registering 12 goals and 10 assists in the top flight.
He also shone on the world stage for England during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, netting three times and causing a significant threat.
Saka’s current contract with the Premier League leaders expires at the end of next season, but he is reportedly close to agreeing on a new deal. Toure emphasized the importance of securing the winger’s future for the long term.
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“One thing I have to say – my advice to Arsenal is for Bukayo Saka to sign for 10 years!
“One mistake that Arsenal made down the years, they had key players that loved the club and they let them go.
“You must keep those players because these players are the players that are going to lead the team for you.
“These are the players you can rely on; these are the players that when it’s tough they will put their bodies on the line because they love the club.
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“You have two types of players, players that love the club and players who just come and go. You need players who love the club because these are players who are going to fight with their heart.”
Toure also expressed his admiration for Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta but warned the leaders must maintain the high standards they have set in order to fend off Manchester City in the title race.
“He’s (Arteta) been incredible. What he is doing as a young manager is inspiring us. You can see the energy he is bringing,” Toure, who was sacked by Wigan Athletic in January after a short spell in charge, said.
“He was really lucky to work with one of the best managers in the world in Pep Guardiola – learning from him was vital.
“But with Man City, they have the experience and Arsenal have to be really careful they don’t slip because this Man City team will give everything they have until the last game.“
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