Arteta to talk Saka with Southgate after second successive 3000-minute season with Arsenal

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be holding conversations with England manager Gareth Southgate about his plans for Bukayo Saka this summer.

The Spaniard admitted that, after two particularly gruelling seasons for the Gunners youngster, a period of rest is much-needed.

Saka has played 3281 minutes for Arsenal this season after 3606 minutes last season followed by an international tournament.

“He needs a break, that is for sure. He has played a lot of minutes this season and he played a lot of minutes last season,” Arteta said.

“You expect your important players to do so, to have that ability and show the quality that Bukayo has shown consistently throughout the season.

“But obviously you have to bear in mind that at some stage he needs to rest. That is something we really need to think about, the plans for him in the summer.”

Asked whether he would be addressing this issue with Southgate, Arteta, whose side face Everton on Sunday attempting to keep alive their faint hopes of Champions League qualification, added: “Yes. We are going to do that.

“We are going to talk to every manager that is responsible for our players (about) how they are thinking, show them what they have done, how we have done it and what we expect them to do in the future as well.

“Everything has to be connected and related to the aim of protecting the player and getting the best out of the player.”

Transfer gossip: Manchester United eye Leeds bargain; Arsenal make Saka exception

With the season set to finish on Sunday, Arsenal are already looking ahead to their summer transfer window and the changes they could make.

The Gunners spent £149million last summer, bringing in the likes of Ben White and Aaron Ramsdale, who quickly became regular starters.

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