The Digest:
Nigerian-born Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has signed a blockbuster five-year contract extension worth at least £78 million, keeping him at the Emirates Stadium until 2031 and making him the Gunners' highest-paid player. The 24-year-old will earn in excess of £300,000 per week (approximately ₦546 million), surpassing teammates Kai Havertz (£280,000), Gabriel Jesus (£265,000), and William Saliba. The deal secures Arsenal's prized asset amid reported interest from European heavyweights. Saka, a product of the Hale End academy, is nearing his 300th senior appearance with 77 goals and 78 assists in 296 matches. The renewal follows long-term commitments from Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Ethan Nwaneri, and Myles Lewis-Skelly as Arsenal push for their first Premier League title since 2004.
Key Points:
- Saka's mega-deal reflects his status as Arsenal's most indispensable player and future captain material.
- It signals Arsenal's determination to build a title-winning squad around homegrown talent.
- Saka secures generational wealth, while Arsenal locks down its biggest star long-term.
- This positions Arsenal to compete financially with Europe's elite for silverware.
- The timing, mid-title race, boosts squad morale and sends a statement of intent.
Sources: Pulse Sports, Arsenal FC
