Peter Crouch has warned Arsenal they should be looking to tie down players like Bukayo Saka, or risk losing their brightest talents again.
Saka has been one of the high points during what has been a mixed season for the Gunners, with the 18-year-old making his first league start earlier this season and going on to make 30 appearances in all competitions since.
He once again impressed with his first half display in the Gunners’ second game back at Brighton following the Premier League’s three-month.
His performance in particular caught the eye of former Tottenham and Liverpool striker Crouch, who delivered a warning to Mikel Arteta should they fail to secure Saka and other players to longer contracts.
Saka’s current deal at the Emirates Stadium runs out next year, although – despite plenty of reported interest from elsewhere – the teenager is thought to be close agreeing a new contract in North London.
“I would be concerned (if Saka left),” Crouch said working as a pundit for BT Sport.
“It’s happened time and time again at Arsenal. I’m not sure who’s in charge of contracts, but it needs to be sorted out.
“They’re giving big, big contracts to players who don’t want to be there and they haven’t sorted out someone with immense potential like Saka.
“I think he’s possibly been Arsenal’s best player in this first-half. Some players are lacking a little bit of desire at Arsenal, and you have to say, he’s been the shining light.
“A club of Arsenal’s stature, they should be trying to tie down these top young players. It’s a surprising thing that they haven’t been able to do that.”
