In a move that has sent waves of excitement through the Arsenal faithful, Bukayo Saka, the club’s homegrown superstar, has reportedly agreed to a new long-term contract, cementing his future with the Gunners until 2030. The 23-year-old England international, whose current deal was set to enter its final two years this summer, has expressed a deep desire to achieve greatness with his boyhood club, quashing speculation about a potential move elsewhere. This agreement marks a significant moment for Arsenal, as they secure the services of one of the Premier League’s brightest talents, ensuring he remains the cornerstone of Mikel Arteta’s ambitious project.
Saka’s journey with Arsenal is the stuff of dreams for any academy graduate. Rising through the ranks of the Hale End academy, he has become the embodiment of the club’s resurgence under Arteta. His dazzling performances on the right wing, characterized by sharp changes of direction and an uncanny ability to create chances, have earned him adoration from fans and respect from opponents. Despite a challenging 2024/25 season marred by a three-month hamstring injury, Saka’s return has been nothing short of electrifying. He marked his comeback with a goal against Fulham and played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s stunning 5-1 aggregate victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals, proving his indispensable value to the team.
The new contract is expected to make Saka Arsenal’s highest-paid player, with reports suggesting his weekly wage could approach £350,000, surpassing the club’s previous record set by Mesut Ozil in 2018. This substantial increase from his current £195,000-a-week deal reflects his importance both on and off the pitch. “I want to win, and I want to win wearing this badge,” Saka declared ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid, a statement that resonates deeply with supporters who see him as the heart and soul of the club. His commitment to Arsenal is not just about personal accolades—he has openly shared his dream of lifting major trophies with the Gunners and even harbors ambitions of winning the Ballon d’Or, a goal he described as “a dream for a lot of players.”
Arsenal’s determination to tie down Saka comes at a critical juncture. With Liverpool poised to claim the Premier League title, the Gunners’ hopes of silverware this season rest on their Champions League campaign, where they face Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals. Saka’s recent performances, including his resilience after a “dangerous” red-card tackle by Ipswich’s Leif Davis, underline his readiness to lead Arsenal in these high-stakes matches. Arteta, who described Saka’s latest injury scare as “nothing serious,” has been vocal about his relief at the winger’s commitment. “I was very glad to hear Bukayo hint at committing to a new contract,” theArsenal have suffered an injury-hit campaign, with key players like Martin Ødegaard and Gabriel Jesus missing significant time, making Saka’s presence even more vital.
The agreement also signals Arsenal’s broader strategy to secure their core players. Alongside Saka, the club is reportedly prioritizing contract extensions for talents like William Saliba and Ethan Nwaneri, aiming to build a squad capable of challenging for major honors. For Saka, who has already won an FA Cup in 2020, the focus is clear: “I want to win things,” he said, emphasizing his hunger for more silverware. With his signature on a new deal, Arsenal fans can dream of a future where their star boy leads them to glory, potentially rewriting the club’s history in the process.