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Bukayo Saka explains why he extended Arsenal contract

By James Cormack

Arsenal's English midfielder Bukayo Saka gestures to fans on the pitch after the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium in London on March 19, 2023. - Arsenal won the game 4-1. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / 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. / (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal's English midfielder Bukayo Saka gestures to fans on the pitch after the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium in London on March 19, 2023. - Arsenal won the game 4-1. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / 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. / (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images) /
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The update every single Gooner across the globe was longing for: Bukayo Saka has officially extended his stay at Arsenal until 2027.

Tying down Saka emerged as one of the Gunners’ priorities heading into 2023 amid yet another majestic campaign for the club’s starboy. While his production has slowed since the March international break, the England international will end the Premier League season with double-digit goals (13) and assists (11) for the first time in his career.

He was a major reason why Arsenal were able to remain at the top of the table for so long, and his importance to Mikel Arteta has seen him rack up a hefty number of minutes which has contributed to his late-season demise.

Bukayo Saka explains why he extended Arsenal contract

After Gabriel Martinelli signed a new long-term contract in February, Arsenal’s attention turned to the Brazilian’s partner in crime and reports suggest Saka’s new deal has been agreed for some time.

The winger’s extension keeps him at the club until 2027, and the player believes he’s in the right place to develop further in his career and emerge as one of the world’s best.

Saka told arsenal.com: “I’m just really happy. There’s been a lot of talking and it’s been a while, but I’m here now. I think this is the right club, the right place to make the next step. It’s a beautiful club – look where we are.

“For me, it’s about achieving my personal ambitions; how much I push myself and demand from myself each game, week in, week out. Then I have all the right people around me in terms of family, and when I come to the training ground, my teammates, the coaching staff.

“I think I have everything I need to become the best player I can be, and that’s why I’m happy to stay here and be here for the future because I really believe that we can achieve big things,” the 21-year-old added.

The winger has seen it all in such a short space of time since he broke into Unai Emery’s first team towards the end of the Spaniard’s reign. He’s blossomed into a superstar under Arteta’s tutelage, and although the 2022/23 season didn’t culminate in silverware, Arteta’s project has only just started gathering momentum.

Saka’s first taste of the Champions League beckons, and the player admits his teammates are “hungry” for success after back-to-back late-season collapses.

“Time is on our side,” the player notes.

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