Why Bukayo Saka’s contract extension is huge for Arsenal

Arsenal continue to sit at the top of the Premier League table sending Gooners all around the world into ecstasy. However, a constant worry has belaboured the joy of success: Bukayo Saka’s contract negotiations were yet to be finalised.

Nevertheless, as reported by David Ornstein, the club has now verbally agreed on a deal that would secure Arsenal’s main man for the long haul.

Why Bukayo Saka’s contract extension is huge for Arsenal

Since Saka burst on the scene wearing the number 77 shirt, Arsenal fans’ interest inextricably peaked. The English winger is direct, tenacious, impressively strong and, of course, as skilful as they come. For the past three seasons, with the club not reaching the desired levels of the fans, board, coach, and players, much of the pressure has been put on the young Bukayo Saka’s shoulders.

The eye test would have told you he was a highly compensated Premier League star. In fact, the best right winger in world football, who now wears and fits the historic number 7, has been dominating as the lead man on a contract reportedly paying him a modest £70,000 per week. While this is a hefty wage by all accounts, Arsenal’s most consistent, and in the minds of many, best player should be on a much higher wage.

Saka’s new contract is reported to be worth £200,000 per week. The star boy’s service to the club, the local community, the fans, and all those who have the pleasure of watching him live or on TV will see this as an absolute bargain.

With the club now securing the futures of young players such as Gabriel Martinelli, Saka, Eddie Nketiah, and hopefully William Saliba, the direction of Mikel Arteta’s project is clear. The process, although criticised for multiple seasons, is coming to fruition, and it appears only getting started. Building a young core is the only way to compete in this era of Premier League football, considering the ridiculously fierce competition.

The only frightening concern that Gooners should have is Saka’s health on such a high wage. The winger is an absolute iron man. Despite being fouled over and over again in games, he continues to play hard, aggressive, impassioned football. One need only look at the last two ties with Aston Villa and Manchester City as evidence. With the 21-year-old on the verge of securing a well-deserved contract, the club and the fans should double down on protests to ensure Saka is protected by the refs.

Despite the joy Gooners receive when Saka converts penalties, the only pen they truly should care about is the one he puts to paper. Once completed, fans can let out a collective sigh. Saka is good enough to play anywhere in the world, and as Arsenal continue to develop the squad, success is the only destiny the winger and the fans should expect.