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'I would build the club around him': Rio Ferdinand urges Mikel Arteta to make Bukayo Saka a central figure at Arsenal after penning a new long-term deal

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has told Arsenal that they must base their re-build around youngster Bukayo Saka, who recently signed a new contract.

The 18-year-old shrugged off interest from Manchester United and Liverpool as he penned a new long-term deal with the Gunners after he has broken into the first-team under manager Mikel Arteta.

Ferdinand has been impressed with Saka and believes Arteta needs to make the winger a central figure at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal starlet Bukayo Saka smiles after signing a new long-term deal with the Gunners
Rio Ferdinand said that Arsenal must build the club around the 18-year-old starlet

He told BT Sport: I think Arsenal need people with the right attitude, right characters and people that want to be at the club.