Bukayo Saka is set to become Arsenal’s highest-paid player after agreeing a £10 million-a-year contract with the Gunners.
The 21-year-old is in his fifth season with the senior team following his promotion from the Hale End academy 2018. In that time, he has undergone an evolution that has seen him play in every position on the left side of the team, amassing 120 league appearances in the process.
Now the undisputed first choice on the Gunners’ left wing and also a staple of the England Three Lions, Saka is not just one of the brightest prospect for the future of English football, but is one of the best players in football at the moment.
Liverpool were believed to have contacted him in the summer of 2022 for a possible transfer as they prepared for the possible exit of Mohamed Salah following Sadio Mane’s departure. However, the Reds went in another direction by renewing Salah and getting in Darwin Nuñez.
Arsenal got to keep their talismanic youngster who never wanted to leave the Emirates in the first place, but was holding off for a contract worthy of his talents.
The Daily Mail now reports that significant progress has been made between the Englishman’s Entourage and Arsenal. This, according to reports, is due to Saka being sold on Mikel Arteta’s project at the club and their current position at the top of the standings.
Saka has been a huge part of Arsenal’s good form, scoring 10 goals and providing eight assists in 31 appearances in all competitions this season. Nine of those goals have come in the Premier League, as have all his assists. His contributions to their title charge has been invaluable and Arteta has spoken highly of them.
The new deal will be signed soon as the club are putting a few details in place. Upon signing, the 21-year-old will earn in excess of £200,000-a-week to become the club’s highest paid player.
The Daily Mail also reports that once Saka’s deal is complete, the club will focus on renewing William Saliba, whose current deal expires in 2024.
Arteta spoke previously about the club’s efforts to keep both youngsters for longer.
“The plan is to extend the contracts of our biggest talents and commit them for the future and that’s what we are trying to do,” the Spanish tactician said.
“We have started with Gabi, which is good news, and the others will be done whenever we can. But we all have to agree because we have to meet everybody’s expectations and timing is key on that.”
