Bukayo Saka: Arsenal’s Key Player and Future Star

Bukayo Saka has developed into one of Arsenal’s most reliable players since his debut with the north London club in 2018. Now at 24 years old, he has cemented his place as a pivotal figure in the Gunners’ lineup, prompting the club to prioritize building their team around the talented English winger.

This season, Saka has contributed significantly, scoring four goals and providing three assists as Arsenal strives for their first league title in over two decades. Despite interest from various Premier League and European clubs, Saka’s inclination has always been to continue with his boyhood team.

Arsenal currently holds a six-point lead over second-placed Manchester City after a 0-0 draw with defending champions Liverpool on Thursday night. Manchester City has struggled to keep pace with Arteta’s side, having drawn their opening three matches of 2026 against Sunderland, Chelsea, and Brighton.

Saka joins several Arsenal stars who have recently signed contract extensions, including William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Ethan Nwaneri, and Myles Lewis-Skelly. However, Saka’s contract renewal represents the most significant commitment from the club as they aim to compete on multiple fronts. Arsenal leads both the Premier League and the Champions League, having won all six matches in the latter, as they seek to end a lengthy wait for silverware and claim their inaugural European trophy.

This weekend, the Gunners will be in FA Cup action against Portsmouth, a Championship side, in the third round. Following that, they will face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final, with the winner set to meet either Newcastle or Manchester City in March.

Saka has been a nearly constant presence for Arsenal since Arteta took over as manager in 2019. However, he has faced some injury challenges in recent months, making the arrival of Noni Madueke a valuable addition for depth and competition on the wing.

Arteta previously expressed confidence in Saka’s desire to extend his stay at the club, mentioning this during a press conference ahead of a 4-1 victory over Tottenham in November. When asked about his relaxed stance on Saka’s contract situation during the North London Derby press conference, Arteta stated, “I prefer to use the word confidence. What Bukayo has conveyed to me and the club, as well as to Emeka [Obasi, Saka’s agent], is that they want to continue to be here.”

He added, “It’s a very healthy and powerful relationship. The journey that he has had at the club and what he has become is something we want to maintain. That is something that will leave a legacy at this club, and he needs to fulfill that role.”

Saka is unlikely to start in the upcoming FA Cup match against Portsmouth, given his extensive participation in the recent draw with Liverpool. However, he is expected to return to the starting lineup for the midweek fixture against Chelsea.

Arsenal will then resume league play against Nottingham Forest next weekend, marking a hectic January for Arteta’s squad. Following their trip to the City Ground, they will face Inter, Manchester United, Kairat Almaty, and Leeds before the month concludes.