According to latest reports in London, England international Bukayo Saka is set to become the highest-paid Arsenal player after reportedly agreeing to sign a new long-term contract with the North London club. The player is yet to sign the deal, but an agreement in is place between the two parties.

The Englishman’s contract is up in less than 18 months, ending in summer 2024. Rumour mills are already linking him with Manchester City and other European heavyweights. Therefore, the Londoners were working round the clock to come up with a solution for him as soon as possible.

Apart from new signings, it is important for Sporting Director Edu and his team to tie down the young stars of the team on long-term deals at the Emirates Stadium. They have been trying to extend Saka’s contract since last March and the fans can now heave a sigh of relief as the winger has conveyed his decision to extend his stay at the club.

According to The Athletic, Arsenal have finally made ‘significant progress’ in reaching an agreement with Bukayo Saka over a new long-term contract. The 21-year-old has agreed a deal in principle to extend his stay at the Emirates Stadium.

The winger is yet to put pen to paper on the new deal, with just a few minor details needing to be finalised, but the principles of the new contract are already in place. The imminent contract, worth in excess of £200,000-a-week plus bonuses, will run till June 2028 and make Bukayo Saka the highest-paid player at Arsenal.

Arsenal have reached verbal agreement to extend Bukayo Saka contract — new long term deal always been a priority 🚨⚪️🔴 #AFC

It’s not signed yet but it will get done — understand new deal will be until June 2028.

Saka only, always wanted to stay.

First call: @SamiMokbel81_DM. pic.twitter.com/Sk59Rs1FM0

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 23, 2023

The Gunners’ strong position in the Premier League has certainly helped sway the decision in their favour. They currently top the table, leading defending champions Manchester City by 8 points after 28 matches. With the team continuing to impress as the season nears its end, they have emerged as genuine challengers to Pep Guardiola’s team.

As the team is almost confirmed to play in the Champions League next season, manager Mikel Arteta wants to make sure that his stars continue with him next season as well. Earlier this month, the Spaniard responded to the possibility of extending their contracts:

“The plan is to extend the contracts of our biggest talents and commit them for the future and that’s what we are trying to do.

“We have started with Gabi, which is good news, and the others will be done whenever we can. But we all have to agree because we have to meet everybody’s expectations and timing is key on that.”

Bukayo Saka has emerged as an important part of Mikel Arteta’s squad, coming through the academy ranks. Thus, he feels a special affinity towards his boyhood club. He has been a shining light in the previous two disappointing seasons for the club, winning the Player of the Year award in both seasons.

But with positive results in this campaign and Arsenal hoping to revive their fortunes in the Champions League from next season, the English winger is certain that he can fulfill his ambitions of winning titles here.

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The explosive attacker has been a vital cog in their current campaign. He has started in all of their 28 Premier League matches and has 12 goals and 10 assists (stats via Transfermarkt) to his name, the maximum goal contributions from a single Arsenal player.

With the Gunners having already secured a new deal for Gabriel Martinelli, this would be their next big move. The club will then focus on extending the contract of their centre-back William Saliba. The Frenchman, whose deal will expire in 2024, has been immense in Arsenal’s rise to the top.

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