Bukayo Saka’s huge new contract is part two of Arsenal’s three-ace trick

Bukayo Saka is close to agreeing a lucrative new contract at Arsenal that will reflect his status as one of the Premier League’s best players.

Saka, who is Arsenal’s leading goalscorer and assist-maker in all competitions this season, has made it clear that he wants to continue his career in north London.

It is understood that discussions have progressed positively in recent weeks and an agreement is now thought to be imminent.

The talks are centred around the finer details of Saka’s new deal, which will make the 21-year-old academy graduate one of the highest-paid players at the club.

Saka’s current contract is set to expire in the summer of 2024, at the end of next season, and, as with any key player, Arsenal are keen to prevent him from entering the final 12 months of his deal.

Saka has started every league game for Arsenal this season, having emerged as one of the most important players in Mikel Arteta’s side over the past few years.

The winger is currently on a run of 65 consecutive league games, which is the longest streak of any player in the division.

He has scored 10 goals in all competitions and registered eight assists, and also impressed for England at the World Cup in Qatar.

Arsenal have also recently signed Gabriel Martinelli to a new long-term contract, which was finalised earlier this month, and want to agree a deal with William Saliba that ties him to north London in the long-term.

Two down, one to go – then Arsenal’s future looks bright

Provided that there are no late hitches in the discussions over this new deal, it will soon be a case of two down and one to go for Arsenal. Gabriel Martinelli has signed his long-term deal, Saka is close to doing the same, and now only William Saliba remains in Arsenal’s push to ensure their brightest talents will stay in north London.

Rarely has one club been blessed with three such talented 21-year-olds at one time, and Arsenal know they are onto something special with this trio. Not only because of what they are offering this season (all three have been outstanding in the club’s title push) but also because of what they promise in future seasons.

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The thought of Saka, Martinelli and Saliba staying together at the club, under a young manager, is one that will excite everyone connected with Arsenal. There is so much more to come from these players, and Arsenal could not easily replace any of them if they left.

In the case of Saka, especially, a new contract is thoroughly deserved. No player has done more to propel Arsenal to the top of the Premier League table this season, and no player better embodies the project that has taken shape under Mikel Arteta and Edu in recent years.

Saka is already one of the league’s most devastating forwards, and he is only just getting started. Arsenal know that. The moment Saka puts pen to paper on this new deal will be a moment worth celebrating for the club’s executives, coaches, players and supporters.