Arsenal’s decision to give Gabriel Martinelli a new contract has been praised by Darren Bent, who insists Bukayo Saka must be next.
The Brazilian star has reportedly agreed a four-and-a-half year deal with the Gunners, a contract that would see him extend his stay to 2027.
Featuring 110 times for the north London side, the 21-year-old is now regarded as a key man for Mikel Arteta’s side following Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp’s high-profile admiration of the star, calling him ‘the talent of the century’.
But while Martinelli deserves huge credit for earning his new deal, former Tottenham striker Bent believes it’s obvious who should be next in line for a new deal.
Speaking on talkSPORT Drive about Martinelli’s contract, Arsenal fan Bent said: “It’s really good, that. You’ve got to do it.
“The next one is Saka, he’s the one that you need to tie down, but Martinelli has been phenomenal, he’s been brilliant.
“If you remember, there was a bit of a flirtation with Liverpool because Jurgen Klopp spoke highly of him and really liked him, but that’s fantastic news for Arsenal.”
Few could argue that Saka is deserving of an improved contract given his incredible performances for both Arsenal and England over the last 12 months.
But according to Bent, there’s no reservations about the winger’s ability to handle immense wealth due to him having a sensible head on his shoulders.
He added: “If you speak to Saka and you listen to him speak when he’s doing interviews and he talks about his upbringing and he’s a straight-A student so he’s obviously incredibly clever.
“He’s not a player who when he gets the money will go off the rails, not in the slightest.
“If anything, he’ll go the other way and be more heavily involved in the community and start giving back, but the money in football is just crazy.”
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