Theo Walcott has advised Bukayo Saka to stay at Arsenal this summer.
The England international had been linked with a move to Manchester City as he nears the final two years of his contract, potentially putting Mikel Arteta’s side in a difficult position.
While there has been a lot of positivity around the young team the Arsenal chief has moulded together, missing out on Champions League football was a major blow. With the added burden of Europa League football next season, breaking back into the top four looks a difficult task and, naturally, there will be a concern leading players could be tempted away.
Liverpool have also been mooted as a potential destination for the 20-year-old, who scored 12 times and registered 7 assists last season.
Still, Walcott believes Saka’s connection to the club, having come through the Hale End academy, should be enough to keep him at the Emirates long-term.
Speaking to talkSPORT, former Arsenal forward Walcott said: “Well, there is obviously a transitional stage at Arsenal, that Mikel is part of, and Saka is massively part of it as well.
“The younger crop of players at Arsenal coming through, I feel as though the club need to keep hold of him, simple as that.
“Obviously, when Manchester City coming knocking on the door, it is such a hard thing for any player really to turn down.
“He is very young, but I feel that he likes the area of London in Arsenal, the fans have been fantastic, and at the Emirates, which is one of the best stadiums I have ever played in.
“He has great support, and I will be intrigued. My heart says he will be at Arsenal next season, and we will see after that.
‘He needs to understand that the playing opportunities will be limited at Manchester City. He will, of course, be more likely to win things, but it is not saying Arsenal won’t win things.
‘I think they are in that phase, they are slowly starting to get there. They would have taken fifth at the start of the season, given how it went.
‘I am hopeful he will be at Arsenal next season, I am pretty sure of that.’
