Arsenal announce a new long-term contract for Bukayo Saka
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta must build his team around youngsters such as Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Joe Willock, according to Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand. Saka ended speculation over his future on Wednesday by penning a new long-term contract at Arsenal. The 18-year-old has been a shining light in an otherwise disappointing campaign for the Gunners.
Arsenal news: Rio Ferdinand says Mikel Arteta should build his team around the youngsters (Image: BT SPORT/GETTY)
"The great thing about seeing [Saka's] tweet there and his statement when he was talking there was that he loves the club, he believes in the philosophy and he wants to move forward with the club and improve here.
"They've got to get more players to build around that.
"I'd build this club around him, around Martinelli, around Willock - these young players that have come through and the badge means something to these young boys.
"They need players around that to build within that as well, to understand that and to come in and accept that this is the place where we want to be and we believe in the management and we want to go forward together."
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"Now they feel like brothers to me and I can speak to them, I can say anything to them and they'll always be there for me.
"But one player in particular I would have to say is probably David Luiz.
"He's a man with a big heart and he just has so much experience in the game as well.
"He goes out of his way all the time to advise and help all the young players.
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"I'm sure if you asked them as well they will tell you how much he is there to support us.
"He is a very important member of our squad."
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