Bukayo Saka’s tiny Arsenal contract revealed as he opens talks over bumper new deal before it runs out next summer
BUKAYO SAKA has allegedly “initially” opened talks with Arsenal over a new contract.
The 20-year-old attacker grabbed his tenth goal of the season to secure the Gunners a vital 1-0 win at Villa Park on Saturday.
He is now looking to further establish himself on the international stage when he meets up with Gareth Southgate’s England squad on Tuesday.
Saka’s displays have led to interest from both Manchester City and Liverpool over recent months after details of his contract emerged.
He penned a new “long-term” deal back in 2020 which was believed to be until 2023 and worth £30,000-a-week.
However, Arsenal are allegedly able to activate an additional 12-months on that.
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But the attacker’s “growing importance” to Mikel Arteta’s team is behind their “determination to extend” his deal.
And now The Athletic has reported that “an initial conversation has now taken place” over an extension.
And the “possibility of an improved” package at the Emirates Stadium was also discussed.
The club’s record signing Nicolas Pepe, who struggles for starts these days, pockets £100,000-a-week at the Emirates while Gabriel Martinelli earns £90k-weekly.
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And Saka’s salary is also dwarfed by some of his international team-mates.
Man City’s Jack Grealish (£230k-a-week) and Man Utd’s Jadon Sancho (£350,000-a-week) both also earn considerably more.
Now the attacker will likely be looking for a bumper pay rise himself to remain with the Gunners.
Arsenal appear to be in control of Saka’s situation until 2024 but are desperate to get his future resolved.
And this latest report states that desire was “raised at a recent meeting between Arsenal and Saka’s agent” – which indicated formal talks are set to begin.
The talented youngster has burst through the club’s academy to become one of Arteta’s key men.
He made his debut aged 17 back in November 2018.
And his strike at Villa Park took his goal tally to 21 in 121 appearances for the Gunners.
Now he will be hoping to add to his England record when they face Switzerland and Ivory Coast over the coming week.
He has four in 14 caps for the Three Lions.