Bukayo Saka has signed a new four-year contract that makes him the best-paid player at Arsenal.
The 21-year-old has agreed a deal worth at least £200,000 a week, which could rise to £300,000 a week with bonuses, and reflects his status as one of the best players in the Premier League.
Securing Saka’s future is a major boost for Arsenal as they seek to tie down the players who took them close to the Premier League title this season.
The Gunners have secured Gabriel Martinelli, Aaron Ramsdale and Gabriel Magalhaes to new deals, are in negotiations with William Saliba and are ready to start talks with Martin Odegaard.
But Saka is their talisman, and manager Mikel Arteta says tying down the youngster is key to the club’s continued progress.
He said: “It’s great for the club that Bukayo has extended his contract. Retaining our best young talents is key to our continued progress and Bukayo represents such an important part of our squad now and for the future.
“As well as being a fantastic talent, Bukayo is a special person — he’s loved by us all and he is a credit to himself and his family for the hard work and commitment they have all made to get to this level today.
“Together with our supporters, we’re so looking forward to enjoying Bukayo’s continued development with us in the years to come.”
Saka has been at Arsenal since he was eight and played a key role in the title push this season, scoring 14 goals and contributing 11 assists in all competitions.
The England international was due to be out of contract at the end of next season and Manchester City and a host of top European clubs were monitoring his situation. But it was always his desire to sign a new contract at a club he considers his home.
“I really feel the love from my team-mates, my coaches and the fans as well,” Saka said this season. “I really feel loved here.”
Securing Saka is a major boost to Arsenal in the long term, while it will also lift supporters ahead of Sunday’s final game of the season, at home to Wolves.
Arsenal pushed Manchester City close this season, but they have faded in recent weeks and taken nine points from a possible 24. City were crowned champions when Arsenal lost on Saturday and the Gunners will want to finish the season on a high.
Arsenal are determined to mount another title challenge next season and are ready to back Arteta in the transfer market this summer with a spending spree that could exceed £200million.
