Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says Bukayo Saka needs a rest this summer.

Saka has been the Gunners' star performer this term, earning a nomination for the Premier League's player of the season award, and is their top scorer with 12 goals in all competitions, but has looked visibly tired in recent weeks.

The 20-year-old has made 102 appearances for club and country since the start of last season and has hardly had a break during that period, having played a larger than expected role in England's run to the final of Euro 2020 last summer, ultimately culminating in his crucial penalty miss in the shootout defeat to Italy at Wembley.

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

“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."

Arteta says he will discuss managing the forward's minutes with England coach Gareth Southgate before he joins up.

“Yes, we are going to do that," the Spaniard said. “We are going to talk to every manager that is responsible for our players - 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."