Arsenal manager Arteta hints that Bukayo Saka should chose England over Nigeria

ARSENAL manager Mikel Arteta has hinted that teenage fullback Bukayo Saka should reject the offer of playing for Nigeria and opt for England instead because playing for the Three Lions will enhance his career more than featuring for the Super Eagles.

Saka, 18, has broken into the Arsenal side this season and caught the eye with a few brilliant displays that has opened up a debate about his international future. So far, the teenager is yet to receive a call-up from either England or Nigeria at senior level but yesterday, he said making the choice when the time comes will be difficult.

"It's a tough choice. I'm happy to have represented England at youth level but I'm also proud of my Nigerian heritage from my parents, Sake said.

So far, Saka has represented England up to under-19 level and there is a lot of talk about England manager Gareth Southgate inviting him to the senior England team. To feature for Nigeria, having already played for England youth, Saka will have to undergo a switch through Fifa as the likes of Alex Iwobi, Victor Moses, Shola Ameobi and Ola Aina did.

Wading into the debate, Arteta said: "If I get asked the question then I can give my opinion. He hasn't come to me with that so for now I will leave it totally independent with the player and his family as they normally have a big say with their background, their culture and where they are coming room, so I don't want to step in there.

"He is good enough to play for England and he's very clever to make the right decision, as well."

In the past Chelsea and England players Fikayo Tomori and Tammy Abraham have previously turned down a chance to play for the Super Eagles. However, the Nigerian Football Federation is already plotting to fast-track Saka into the senior set-up in the hope of persuading him to choose an international career with the Super Eagles over England.