3 key talking points from Bukayo Saka’s contract extension

Arsenal's English midfielder Bukayo Saka celebrates after scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium in London on January 22, 2023. - - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal's English midfielder Bukayo Saka celebrates after scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium in London on January 22, 2023. - - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) /
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2. Length

Like with the last deal Saka signed in 2020, this deal will run for four years, expiring in 2027, without an option for another year.

This is one area where fans have a right to be slightly disappointed, especially when you consider the fact that the club managed to secure the option of an extra year in Gabriel Martinelli’s extension earlier this year.

The deal means that Arsenal will be back at the negotiating table in two years as they try to tie Saka down further, which is incredibly clever from his agent, and ensures his earning potential is protected as his status and performance level grows.

For Arsenal, this will be a distraction in two years, but the positive is it will keep Saka happy and feeling valued at the club, and will show him that even though he is an academy product the club are willing to give him the superstar treatment he deserves.

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