Bukayo Saka is set to sign an extension with Arsenal
Bukayo Saka has quashed any doubts over his future by agreeing a new five-year contract with Arsenal. Saka, 24, is in the last 18 months of his current deal with the Gunners but talks over an extension were opened last year.
The England international is now set to put pen to paper on a contract which keeps him at the Emirates until June 2031. As first reported by the Athletic, the deal reflects Saka's standing as one of the best wingers in Europe.
Arsenal chiefs and the academy graduate's representatives are now in the process of finalising the agreement before making an official announcement. Saka will follow team-mates William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly in extending their stays at the club in recent months.
This season, Saka has scored seven goals and provided four assists in 27 appearances. His output has helped Arsenal build a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League, while they're also first in the Champions League table and will face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
Saka has one won major trophy with Arsenal, the 2020 FA Cup shortly after his breakthrough into the first-team. Now a vice-captain, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta views the 24-year-old as one of the most important members of his squad both on and off the pitch.
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Arteta was asked in November why he was so relaxed about Saka's future. "I prefer that word, I think it is confidence," the Gunners boss replied. "What Bukayo has transmitted to me and the club, and Emeka (Obasi, Saka's agent) as well, is that they want to continue to be here.
"It's a very healthy and powerful relationship. The journey that he has had at the club and what he has become is something we want to maintain. That is something that is going to leave a legacy at this club and he needs to fulfil that role."
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Bukayo Saka has committed his future to Arsenal ( Image: Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Back in April, Saka reiterated his desire to stay at Arsenal. "For me, I want to win and I want to win wearing this badge," he told a press conference.
"I think it is pretty clear - the fans know how much I love them and you saw when I came on on Tuesday [against Everton], I think they love me back, so it is a good relationship. I am really happy to be here and I'm just focused on winning.
"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."
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