Bukayo Saka has agreed to a new four-year contract extension, making him Arsenal’s highest-paid player.
The 21-year-old has agreed to a contract worth at least £200,000 per week, with the possibility of increasing to £300,000 per week with bonuses, reflecting his status as one of the best players in the Premier League.
Securing Saka’s future is a significant boost for Arsenal, who are looking to lock down the players who led them to the Premier League title this season.
The Gunners have signed new contracts with Gabriel Martinelli, Aaron Ramsdale, and Gabriel Magalhaes, are in talks with William Saliba, and are ready to begin talks with Martin Odegaard.
But Saka is their talisman, and manager Mikel Arteta believes tying down the youngster is critical to the club’s future success.
“It’s fantastic for the club that Bukayo has extended his contract,” he said. Retaining our best young talents is critical to our continued progress, and Bukayo is an integral part of our squad now and in the future.
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“Aside from being a fantastic talent, Bukayo is a special person — he’s loved by all of us, and he’s a credit to himself and his family for the hard work and dedication they’ve all put in to get to this level today.”
“With our supporters, we’re looking forward to Bukayo’s continued development with us in the coming years.”
Saka has been with Arsenal since he was eight years old and has played a key role in the club’s title push this season, scoring 14 goals and providing 11 assists across all competitions.
The England international’s contract was set to expire at the end of next season, and Manchester City and a number of other top European clubs were keeping an eye on his situation. But he has always wanted to sign a new contract with the club he considers his home.
“I really feel the love from my teammates, coaches, and fans,” Saka said earlier this season. “I feel really loved here.”
Securing Saka is a significant long-term boost for Arsenal, and it will also lift supporters ahead of Sunday’s season finale against Wolves at home.
Arsenal came close to catching Manchester City this season, but they have faded in recent weeks, taking nine points from a possible 24. When Arsenal lost on Saturday, City was crowned champions, and the Gunners will want to finish the season on a high note.
Arsenal is determined to challenge for the title again next season and is prepared to back Arteta in the transfer market this summer with a spending spree that could exceed £200 million.