Kolo Toure fears Arsenal cannot afford to lose Bukayo Saka (Picture: Sky Sports)
Kolo Toure has urged Arsenal to avoid repeating mistakes of the past and hand Bukayo Saka a 10-year contract.
The Hale End Academy graduate is in the form of his life with his performances helping sustain the Gunners unlikely title challenge.
Last weekend’s 4-1 win over Crystal Palace moved Mikel Arteta’s side eight points clear of Manchester City, albeit having played a game more.
Saka underlined his importance to Arsenal by scoring twice and assisting Gabriel Martinelli’s opener against the Eagles, before linking up with England ahead of their Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine.
Arsenal remain confident of extending Saka’s current contract and Toure insists they cannot afford to let their prize asset slip out of their grasp.
Toure, who was part of the club’s legendary Invincible team, was one of the first players to depart the club having been tempted by the riches on offer at Manchester City.
The likes of Emmanuel Adebayor, Cesc Fabregas, Gael Clichy, Samir Nasri and Robin van Persie soon followed suit by ditching Arsene Wenger and Toure believes Arsenal can ill-affford a repeat.
Bukayo Saka was in outstanding form in Arsenal’s recent 4-1 win over Crystal Palace (Picture: Getty)
He told Sky Sports: ‘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.
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‘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.’
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‘You need players who love the club.’