Although Arsenal may have dropped points in their last Premier League outing, there are plenty of reasons for those connected with the Gunners to be cheerful. Still four points clear at the top – a margin that could be as high as seven in midweek and now the commitment of a star player.
A star boy if you are to go by his moniker and with Bukayo Saka putting pen to paper on a five-year deal, the England international has not only been handsomely rewarded for his previous efforts but now has extra incentive to continue his high level of performance.
£300,000 reasons if you want to attach a monetary value to his output and with this being the value of Saka’s new weekly wage, his salary now makes him the highest paid player within the current Arsenal squad.
A Major Boost
The news of Saka’s new contact does not add any points to Arsenal’s current league tally but it does remove any potential distraction at the same time. With the Gunners still in the mix for as many as four major trophies at the end of the season, the last thing they need is diverted focus.
Not that the 24-year-old could ever be labelled as wantaway but the longer a deal was not signed before the now previous deal’s expiry in 2027, the louder the whispers about a potential move turn into rumours.
Those rumours can now be quietened down with one stroke of a pen and with Saka having already scored seven goals in 33 appearances this season, his clear focus will be on negotiating opposition defences rather than negotiating with the Arsenal’s powerbrokers.
Join the Club
While this latest commitment is testament to Arsenal’s approach when it comes to keeping hold of what they already have. The quartet of William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly all signed new long-term contracts last summer.
Proof that the present and also the future of the North London outfit see their own future at the Emirates. A real boost not just for this season but also for the years ahead as Mikel Arteta looks to create his own managerial dynasty.
A dynasty that only truly begins to form if he can pick up silverware over a consistent basis. That is not to forget the club’s 2020 FA Cup final success over crosstown rivals Chelsea but even that success has largely paled into insignificance.
That 2-1 win six years ago saw Saka named on the bench and although he would go on to collect a winners’ medal, he did not manage to collect any minutes that evening – something he would be keen to change if given the opportunity in 2026.
A Fifth Round tie with Mansfield in that competition awaits but up next is Wednesday night’s Premier League clash with Wolves and if Saka himself can help Arsenal in extending their lead at the top, then his new deal will look like being worth every penny.
