‘What a buzz’: Paul Merson urges Edu to make decision which Arsenal fans would love

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Arsenal legend Paul Merson has urged Edu to offer new five-year contracts to Gunners stars Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.

Saka and Smith Rowe are two of the best talents to come through the Arsenal academy in recent years.

Both have become crucial players under Gunners boss Mikel Arteta and are also playing for England.

Saka has eight goals and four assists for Arsenal this term, while Smith Rowe has 10 goals and two assists in red and white.

The former’s contract at the Emirates Stadium runs until 2024, while the latter’s deal takes him to 2026.

“They’re the future of Arsenal”

Although both Saka and Smith Rowe have long-term contracts, Merson thinks Arsenal should show even more appreciation.

And if Edu doesn’t plan to renew their contracts this season, he should look to sell them, added the Highbury icon.

“Arsenal have two very special footballers who can go all the way to the top in Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe,” Merson wrote in the Daily Star.

“And both of them should be signed up now to long-term contracts or sold – because each one of them is worth £70m easily.

“They are top drawer and they are going to be vital to Arsenal finishing in the top four this season. 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.

“But if you get those two on five-year contracts, what a buzz that is if you’re an Arsenal fan. You’re thinking Arsenal are going places and the club’s future is secure.

“You should be giving these kids a pay rise. A big one. They’re the future of Arsenal and you need to tie them down ASAP.”

Merson is right, Edu should do this soon – TBR View

The thought of Arsenal selling Saka and Smith Rowe seems absolutely ludicrous.

However, Merson seems to be using hyperbole to make his point.

The Gunners haven’t exactly got a great track record when it comes to contract situations.

In the past, Arsenal have all too often offered huge deals to older players. We all know how some of those have turned out.

And while Saka and Smith Rowe already have fairly long-term contracts, Merson is right to call for huge new deals for them. They’re the future of the club.