Arsenal and Bukayo Saka Close to Long-Term Contract Agreement

Arsenal Football Club is reportedly close to finalizing the framework of a new long-term contract for standout player Bukayo Saka, according to sources familiar with the negotiations.

Both the club and Saka have expressed optimism over the past few months regarding the 24-year-old’s commitment to Arsenal, and indications suggest that these discussions are approaching a favorable conclusion.

While an official agreement has yet to be reached, Arsenal refrained from commenting when contacted by ESPN. Sources reveal that Saka is expected to sign a five-year deal, which would position him as one of the club’s highest earners, potentially surpassing current top earner Kai Havertz, who is on a salary of £280,000 per week ($375,300).

Arsenal has demonstrated a commitment to securing their top talent on long-term contracts, having previously rewarded players such as William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Ethan Nwaneri, and Myles Lewis-Skelly with enhanced terms last year.

Saka, who rose through the ranks of Arsenal’s Hale End academy, has established himself as one of the team’s most influential players. This season, he has captained the side on multiple occasions, contributing seven goals and six assists in 27 appearances.

In September, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his desire for Saka to sign a new deal, stating, “I would love that. From everything that I know, he is a player that is extremely happy and proud to be here and to have the role that he has at the football club. He has been developing naturally, and everyone understands how pivotal Bukayo is for us, so hopefully, we can make it happen.”

Looking ahead, Arsenal is expected to shift its focus to securing Declan Rice, who currently has two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract, with an option for an additional year.