Arsenal have tied down Bukayo Saka on a new contract, keeping him at the Emirates Stadium through to the end of the 2030/31 season. The Englishman’s deal had been set to expire next summer.
The 24-year-old came through the club’s academy and has been a mainstay in the first team for nearly six years. He has scored seven goals in 33 appearances so far this season as Mikel Arteta’s side chase a first Premier league title in two decades.
BBC reports that Saka’s new deal makes him the club’s best-paid player, a testament to his importance and commitment to the team. The five-year contract will earn Saka £300,000 ($406K) per week. He overtakes Kai Havertz as the highest-paid player in the Arsenal squad but falls short of the all-time record holder. Mesut Ozil was handed a £350,000 ($474K) per week deal during his time in North London.
New position for Bukayo Saka?
Having been a regular for Arsenal and England for so long, it is easy to forget that Saka is still only 24 years old. He is still developing as a player and has already shown impressive versatility in his play.
Last weekend Arteta deployed Saka as a central No. 10 in the FA Cup win over Wigan Athletic. With so many options in the wide positions, Saka could be moved inside more regularly to fit more of Arsenal’s attacking talents into the same team. For now, Arteta seems impressed with Saka’s positional flexibility.
“Players are stepping in and Bukayo is one we need to consider for the future. It’s really good especially how players respond to different tactical roles in the manner they are doing,” the Arsenal coach said. “I think he does [enjoy playing as a No.10] and everything that brings a challenge to him. He needs to prove something I think, it does something to him and it is positive.”