Bukayo Saka: Arsenal ace gets huge new contract update as ‘huge respect’ shown

Arsenal are set to open contract talks with Bukayo Saka, with the attacker set to receive a sizeable pay rise from new sporting director Andrea Berta.

Berta arrived at Arsenal a matter of weeks ago and, alongside plotting the club’s summer transfer strategy, is seeking to tie down the best talent the Gunners have on long-term contracts.

Saka is inevitably included in this. With just over two years left on his deal at the Emirates Stadium, the 23-year-old is starting to become an issue for the club’s leadership. While there is currently no question of the player departing, Berta is eager to prevent any doubt arising by signing him up.

Saka, who has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €113 million, is now set to be made one of Arsenal’s best-paid players, according to TBR Football, which states that the new sporting director has prioritised new contracts ahead of new signings.

The England international is reportedly paid €225,000 per week (£195,000) currently, with Kai Havertz the Gunners’ highest earner on around €340,000 (£295,000).

It remains to be seen if Arsenal are prepared to go all the way to break their pay scale to have Saka sign a new long-term deal. The idea is that the club must show “huge respect” to their existing stars.

Saka’s season has been hampered by a hamstring injury that kept him on the sidelines for three months, during which time his absence was severely felt by the Gunners.

He returned with a bang as he produced a stellar display against Real Madrid in a 3-0 Champions League win.

Saka: I’m not in a rush to sign new deal

Although he is not thought to be in a hurry to sign a new deal, he has already committed his future to the club.

“For me, I want to win and I want to win wearing this badge,” he said.

“I don’t think anyone is really in a rush. I have got two years left on my contract so it is pretty relaxed. Everyone knows my thoughts and I’ve let you guys know as well so I don’t think there’s any rush really.”

Arsenal, meanwhile, are hopeful that Saka’s contract issue is resolved by the time the season ends, allowing them to focus on potential new signings.