Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson believes Bukayo Saka must be sold by the Gunners this summer if both parties are unable to agree a contract extension.
Saka currently has two years remaining on his current deal at the Emirates, which the club will be keen to extend given his talismanic role within the side.
The 20-year-old has scored seven goals and registered four assists in 24 Premier League appearances this season, building on his breakthrough campaign of last term in the process.
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Arsenal have already tied down one of their other rising stars, Emile Smith Rowe, to a long-term contract, but Merson has worries over whether Saka will follow suit.
The England international has been linked with Liverpool among other sides as a potential transfer target, given his impressive form at club level.
"They [Smith Rowe and Saka] are top drawer and they are going to be vital to Arsenal finishing in the top four this season. But I think Arsenal should get them tied down now," Merson wrote in his Daily Star column.
"They should be talking now about five year contracts. Get them signed, and if they don't want to sign, then sell them in the summer.
"Don't hang around and let them run their contracts down and let them go for next to nothing. Test the water because there will be teams chasing them.
"If you get those two on five-year contracts, what a buzz that is if you're an Arsenal fan. You're thinking Arsenal are going places and the club's future is secure."
Saka and Smith Rowe were both on target as Mikel Arteta's side earned a 2-1 win over Brentford last weekend, demonstrating their value to the team.
The Gunners have experienced first-hand the difficulty of replacing star figures in recent years, something Merson is all too aware of.
He said: "Saka and Smith Rowe both scored against Brentford. Straight after the game I'm calling their agents and saying: 'How much do you want?
"You should be giving these kids a pay rise. A big one. They're the future of Arsenal and you need to tie them down ASAP.
"Get them tied down now. Don't keep them waiting. That's all it is with Arsenal sometimes – wait, wait, wait. I'm worried they will leave."
