Former Arsenal centre-back, Kolo Toure believes that the Gunners are finally learning from their previous mistakes as they close in on tying Bukayo Saka down to a new long-term contract.
Bukayo Saka has arguably been the club’s most consistent performer this season, with 13 goals & 10 assists in all competitions for Arsenal so far this campaign.
At just 21-years-old, Bukayo Saka has quickly evolved into one of the club’s most influential players since being integrated into the first-team, back in 2018 & is leading Arsenal on their unlikely title charge, which no one expected at the beginning of the season.
Image Credit: Getty Images
READ MORE: How much do Arsenal players earn in 2022/23?
Bukayo Saka’s contract talks have been going on since August, with the club desperate to agree terms with the player on a new long-term contract. The England international has always wanted to stay at the club he joined when he was just 8-years-old & now it looks like an agreement is finally close to being completed.
Arsenal have already rewarded Gabriel Martinelli with a bumper new contract this season and are also aiming to agree fresh terms with William Saliba, after the Frenchman’s brilliant first season in the Premier League.
The Gunners’ efforts to tie down the core of their impressive young squad is not lost on Kolo Toure, who is quick to point out how the club have lost the services of several key players in recent years.
However the former Arsenal defender believes it’s clear that his former club have learned from their past mistakes.
Kolo Toure told Sky Sports:
“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.
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 has been particularly impressed by Saka, who he believes the club should “sign for 10 years”. But the former Ivory Coast international, who was a key part of the Arsenal side that won the club’s most recent Premier League title back in 2004, also believes that Mikel Arteta’s current side possess the “quality” and the “chemistry” to end the Gunners’ agonising 19-year drought.
Image Credit: Getty Images
Arsenal currently sit 8 points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table with 10 games left to play.
Kolo Toure was full of praise for Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta who has put together an Arsenal team who are mounting an unexpected title charge this season.
Kolo Toure on Mikel Arteta & Arsenal’s title charge…
“Arteta’s been incredible. What he is doing as a young manager is inspiring us. You can see the energy he is bringing.
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.”
NEXT ARTICLE: The latest on William Saliba’s injury & contract extension.
