Arsenal have secured a monumental piece of business, with homegrown superstar Bukayo Saka agreeing to a new long-term contract that cements his status as a cornerstone of the club's future.
A Lucrative Reward for a Key Man
The new deal, which is set to run until the summer of 2032, represents a significant upgrade on the contract Saka signed in May 2023. It is understood to elevate his earnings to around £300,000 per week, pushing his annual salary beyond £15 million. This places the 24-year-old England forward into an elite bracket at the Emirates Stadium, making him one of the highest-paid players in the club's history.
Currently, Kai Havertz is believed to be the top earner on approximately £280,000 a week, while Mesut Özil's deal from 2018 saw him earn a reported £350,000 weekly. Sporting director Andrea Berta made tying Saka down a priority, following the successful securing of long-term futures for other key players like Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba last year.
"I Want to Win Wearing This Badge"
Saka, who joined Arsenal's academy as a seven-year-old, has repeatedly expressed his love for the club. Speaking before a Champions League clash against Real Madrid in April, he stated his desire to "win wearing this badge", though he added he was in "no rush" over a new deal. Manager Mikel Arteta had been hopeful of an agreement, praising Saka's development and importance to the project in September.
His importance on the pitch is undeniable. Saka has been instrumental in Arsenal's charge to the top of the Premier League, where they currently hold a six-point lead. The club has managed his minutes carefully since a minor hamstring injury in August, with recent bench appearances against sides like Brentford and Bournemouth. The summer signing of Noni Madueke from Chelsea has provided valuable backup on the right flank, aiding this management.
Further Business on the Horizon
Arsenal's work in the boardroom is not done with Saka's renewal. The club is also keen to reward Declan Rice with an improved contract, recognising his immense influence since his £105 million move from West Ham in 2023. His current deal runs for five years with an option for a further twelve months.
In terms of potential new signings, Arsenal's interest in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi is more likely to culminate in the summer when his contract expires, though they face competition from the likes of Liverpool and Bayern Munich. Manchester City have shown interest this month, with Palace valuing the player at around £40 million.
With Saka's signature secured until he is nearly 30, Arsenal have successfully locked down their starboy, sending a powerful statement of intent about their ambitions to compete at the very highest level for years to come.
