Bukayo Saka Secures Five-Year Contract Extension with Arsenal

omidbasir- Bukayo Saka’s recently signed five-year contract extension will see him earn more than £300,000 per week, effectively concluding nearly a year of negotiations between the player’s representatives and club officials.

Saka joins teammates William Saliba, Gabriel, Ethan Nwaneri, and Myles Lewis-Skelly in committing to the club over the past twelve months.

This season, Saka has netted seven goals in 33 appearances across all competitions and remains an integral part of Mikel Arteta’s core team, which has established Arsenal as a formidable force in European football.

With Saka’s future now secured, head coach Mikel Arteta can concentrate fully on the team’s performance, as they continue to compete on multiple fronts. Over the weekend, Arsenal advanced to the FA Cup fifth round after defeating League One side Wigan, setting up a subsequent match against Mansfield Town.

In a recent match on Sunday, Saka was utilized in a different position for the first time under Arteta, playing as a No. 10 alongside Eberechi Eze. His effectiveness in this more central role has led fans to advocate for him to maintain this position for the remainder of the season. The Gunners are also vying for the Carabao Cup—where they will face Manchester City in the final—as well as aiming for success in the Premier League and the Champions League.

With a busy schedule ahead, starting with a match against bottom-placed Wolves on Wednesday night, Saka and his teammates have the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table to seven points ahead of City’s next match. Arteta emphasized the importance of having Saka in peak form as they navigate the season’s crucial final stages.

During his pre-match press conference, Arteta remarked, “Certain circumstances can unsettle players, compelling them to adapt. Mikel Merino, for instance, excelled at the nine position in light of our missing midfielders. Bukayo is certainly someone we must consider for the future.

“He thrives on challenges, and playing as a No. 10 is something he enjoys. The positive response from players to different tactical roles is commendable.”

While Arsenal is expected to handle their upcoming match against Wolves with relative ease, Sunday’s encounter against intense rivals Tottenham poses a significantly greater challenge. Despite currently being in 16th place and struggling this season, Tottenham has recently appointed Igor Tudor as head coach, following the departure of Thomas Frank, with plans to adopt a more aggressive playing style at home.

With a passionate crowd anticipated at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, Arsenal is aware that they will face a formidable challenge, irrespective of their rivals’ current league position. However, with Saka’s renewed commitment to the club, the odds remain in Arsenal’s favor to rise to this occasion.