Mikel Arteta could have unorthodox solution to Arsenal's Bukayo Saka problem

After missing out on a top-four finish in the final weeks of the season, the last thing Arsenal needed this week was for their star man, Bukayo Saka, to be linked with a move away.

Murmurs of interest from the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City have rumbled on for months now, with some reports suggesting this week that the Premier League champions were plotting to firm up their interest in the versatile England starlet.

Mirror Football understands that City currently have no plans to pursue a deal for Saka this summer. However, it's inevitable that the Gunners' main man will have a number of attractive European suitors courting him in 12 months' time if he enjoys another prolific season for Mikel Arteta's side.

The 20-year-old came from nowhere to spearhead Arsenal's revival under Arteta, and securing Saka - who has two years left to run on his current deal - for the long haul must be the Spaniard's top priority. But by actually focusing their attention elsewhere this summer, Arsenal can give themselves the best chance of doing that.

While on paper, encouraging the Gunners to prioritise other deals over a new contract for Saka may seem like an unorthodox approach, there is method to the madness. Arteta has more than enough to contend with right now, and the Londoners do have the option to add an extra year to Saka's deal, meaning they have time on their side to persuade their talisman to commit his long-term future to the club.

Right now, Arsenal are at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to persuading Saka - or any potential summer targets - to snub a move elsewhere, as they are unable to offer the lure of Champions League football. However, if Arteta and the Gunners hierarchy can get their summer business