Lescott urges Arteta to make Nigeria-born star new Arsenal captain

Former Manchester City Joe Lescott has said Nigeria born England winger Bukayo Saka should be made Arsenal captain to stop him from leaving the club.

And Lescott reckons it'll stop the youngster from moving on, even if the Gunners don't make it to Europe's most elite competition.

Speaking to LiveScore about the England winger, the 39-year-old former Man City defender said: "You need someone who is going to be playing every week, who can be accountable, and I think Bukayo Saka is that man.

"Though he’s still only young, he endured something in the summer with England that most wouldn’t face in their entire career.

"I think Mikel Arteta said it himself, that coming through that penalty miss has done wonders for his character and confidence and I think he’d relish that responsibility.

"Also, from an Arsenal perspective, Saka is a player they have to keep hold of at all costs.

"He has aspirations to play in the Champions League next season.

"But by giving him the armband, I think he’d be far less likely to leave if they did miss out on the top four.

"He’s come through the ranks, he loves the club — he simply has to be a leading candidate."

The 20-year-old has continued to show why he is one of the most promising stars in world football with another stunning season for the North Londoners

The England international has scored nine goals and produced five assists for the fourth-placed side already this campaign.

But his talents are not going unnoticed elsewhere, and with his contract set to expire in 2024, speculation over his future is beginning to mount.

Man City are reportedly watching him and could launch a bid should the Gunners fail to make the top four.

And Saka has been urged to quit if Arsenal don't claim a Champions League spot - even though he is said to 'love the club'.