Arsenal have reached an agreement on the outline of a new long-term contract with Bukayo Saka, according to sources at ESPN.
Both sides have felt optimistic for a number of months that the 24-year-old would dedicate his future to the club, and sources have suggested that the discussions are approaching a favorable outcome.
An official agreement is still pending, and Arsenal opted not to comment when reached by ESPN. However, sources have indicated that Saka is likely to agree to a five-year contract, positioning him as one of — if not the — top earners at the club.
Kai Havertz is generally considered the highest-paid player at the Gunners, earning £280,000 a week ($375,300).
Arsenal have been eager to secure their key talents on long-term agreements, as evidenced by William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Ethan Nwaneri, and Myles Lewis-Skelly all receiving enhanced terms last year.
Saka, who developed through the club’s Hale End academy, is among Arsenal’s most crucial players and has served as captain on several occasions, tallying seven goals and six assists in 27 matches this season.
Discussing in September, manager Mikel Arteta commented on Saka’s contract scenario: «I would be thrilled about that [if he secured a new deal].
«From what I’ve heard, again he’s a player who is exceedingly pleased and proud to be [here] and to hold the role he has in the football club.
«He’s been growing in a natural manner as they consistently do. Everyone knows how vital Bukayo is for us, so hopefully we can achieve it.»
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Arsenal is likely to shift their focus next to Declan Rice, who has two and a half years remaining on his existing contract, with an option for an extra 12 months.
