Teamtalk: Arsenal ace told pivotal reason why he should reject Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool James Holland

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One pundit has told Bukayo Saka why he should reject any advances from Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool to remain at Arsenal.

Saka is enjoying a brilliant campaign at the Emirates. He has found the net 10 times – plus registering five assists – in 33 matches so far. That includes the winner in Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Aston Villa away from home.

The winger is forming a deadly relationship in attack with the likes of Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli and Alexandre Lacazette. Manager Mikel Arteta can also rely on Emile Smith Rowe, who is in Gareth Southgate’s latest England squad alongside Saka.

Arsenal’s exciting forwards are helping them to push for a Champions League return. They sit fourth after 28 matches, four points ahead of Manchester United in fifth.

Saka is a vital cog in the Arsenal wheel, although reports suggest he could leave for English rivals Liverpool. Klopp is a big fan of the 20-year-old and may green light a raid later this year.

United and Manchester City are also admirers, leading to ‘concern’ in the Arsenal camp that Saka could move on.

However, pundit Dion Dublin reckons Saka should remain at the Emirates for one key reason – the influence of Arteta.

Bukayo Saka labelled ‘outstanding’

Reacting to the wide man’s performance against Villa, Dublin said on BBC Match of the Day: “He was outstanding today, look at his stats.

“He’s going to be at the highest level for a very long time, because his attitude’s great. He’ll get more goals because I know Arteta’s the right manager for him.”

Arsenal legend Paul Merson recently gave his verdict on the futures of Saka and Smith Rowe.

Bukayo Saka of Arsenal © PA Images Bukayo Saka of Arsenal

“They are top drawer and they are going to be vital to Arsenal finishing in the top four this season,” Merson wrote for the Daily Star.

“But I think Arsenal should get them tied down now. 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.”

Arteta reacts to Villa scalp

After the win at Villa Park, Arteta told reporters: “It’s a very big win for us. I thought we played fantastically well, but we didn’t put the game to bed when we had the chances. Then you suffer, but we showed the resilience to win.

“Villa are a very good team and to come here is always extremely difficult. We managed to do the things we wanted to do in the match and I think we deserved to win the game.”

Arteta also spoke about the backing of the away supporters. “The connection between the players and the fans is exceptional and that gives you a lot of energy and belief,” he added.

“There’s still 10 games to go and you can see how small the margins are. The key is that we are there [in the top four] and that we believe we can do it.”