After coming through Arsenal’s academy, the youngster has a strong affinity for the club
According to reports, Bukayo Saka has informed Arsenal that he wishes to extend his contract and will become the Gunners’ highest-paid player.
The 21-year-old has entered the final 18 months of his current contract, which expires in the summer of 2024, and reports have surfaced that Manchester City and other European powerhouses are interested.
Arsenal have been working hard behind the scenes to secure Saka’s future, having already signed a new contract with Gabriel Martinelli.
According to the Daily Mail,’significant progress’ has been made towards an agreement in recent weeks, and all parties are confident he will sign soon.
Saka has informed Arsenal’s management that he wishes to remain at the club, with the club’s current position at the top of the Premier League table playing a significant role in his decision.
The transaction is far enough along that the fundamentals of the new contract are already in place, with only a few minor details remaining to be worked out.
Saka is set to earn more than £200,000 per week, plus bonuses, making him the club’s highest-paid player.
After coming through Arsenal’s academy, the youngster has a strong affinity for the club, but he has always been keen to ensure that their ambition matches his own before signing new terms.
With Arsenal two points clear at the top of the Premier League table and a game in hand over Manchester City, he believes he can win titles and compete in the Champions League on a regular basis.
After completing a deal for Saka, the Gunners’ final major contract task will be to secure a new contract for centre-back William Saliba.
The Frenchman’s contract expires in the summer of 2024, and Arsenal are desperate to sign him to a long-term deal, as his performances at the back have been crucial to the team’s title charge.
When asked about the possibility of new contracts for Saka and Saliba earlier this month, manager Arteta stated, ‘The plan is to extend the contracts of our biggest talents and commit them for the future, and that’s what we’re trying to do.
‘We have begun with Gabi, which is good news, and the others will be completed as soon as possible. But we must all agree because we must meet everyone’s expectations, and timing is crucial.’