Arsenal change means familiar fear over Saka and Martinelli won't happen
Kolo Toure believes Arsenal's top players - such as Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli - will "definitely" stay at the Emirates amid fears of sales.
The Gunners are enjoying a brilliant season under Mikel Arteta, as they sit five points clear of Manchester City in second having played a game more. Much of their success is down to their young squad, which promises to be competitive for years to come.
Yet Arsenal fans are worried their best players could be sold, just as they were years ago. Toure, Gael Clichy, Emmanuel Adebayor and Samir Nasri all left the Emirates for the Etihad between 2009 and 2011 to help kick-start the Sheikh Mansour era at City.
Since then, City have gone on to win six Premier League titles – with a seventh firmly in their sights. Arsenal, meanwhile, haven’t claimed English football’s biggest prize since Arsene Wenger's 'Invincibles' - featuring Toure - went a season unbeaten 19 years ago.
Saka, for example, is out of contract next June. Despite concerns, Toure is convinced the likes of Saka and Martinelli are going nowhere. "That definitely won't happen, Edu and Arteta know what they’re doing," Toure tells Mirror Football on behalf of BT Sport.
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"They have been in the game a long time and know the more you keep a team together, the more cohesion and belief you have. They just have to keep that team for two or three more years and something will definitely happen."
Kolo Toure was speaking on behalf of BT Sport (BT Sport)Do you think Arsenal will cash in on their talented youngsters? Let us know in the comments below!
Under the leadership of sporting director Edu, Arsenal have built one of the best young teams in Europe. Saka (21), Martinelli (21), Eddie Nketiah (23), Jakub Kiwior (23), Takehiro Tomiyasu (24), Fabio Vieira (22), Reiss Nelson (23), Emile Smith Rowe (22), Aaron Ramsdale (24) and captain Martin Odegaard (24) are all aged 24 or younger.
Toure, who starred alongside Edu during their playing days, has praised the Brazilian's impact since he was appointed - initially as technical director - in July 2019. "He's an incredible guy," added Toure.
"I’ve known him a long time and he’s such a lovely man, he always has a smile, a very intelligent man with a decent family. He doesn’t want anything for himself, but he knows football. A great guy to work with and him and Arteta work very well together."
Toure also believes Arsenal are benefitting from having two former players being involved in the management of the club. Arteta was Arsenal’s captain between 2014 and 2016.
Toure noted: "When you have ex-players, most of the time they love the club and they’re passionate about it. They know the game. You have their experience and their hearts as well. They're willing to do that extra bit for the club."
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