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Bukayo Saka contract: Starboy in line to become Arsenal's highest-paid player as negotiations commence

Benyam Kidane

Bukayo Saka contract: Starboy in line to become Arsenal's highest-paid player as negotiations commence image

Arsenal made a splash in the transfer market this offseason, spending north of £250 million on a host of new faces, headlined by the arrivals of Viktor Gyökeres, Eberechi Eze, Martin Zubimendi, and Noni Madueke. 

While their squad depth is as strong as it's been in recent years, they must now turn their focus to securing the long-term future of two of their stars in Bukayo Saka and William Saliba, whose contracts both expire in 2027.

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Gunners Sporting Director Andrea Berta is confident in securing both players on long-term contracts and according to TBR Football, Berta is making ‘good’ progress on both deals.

Mikel Arteta echoed those sentiments, speaking ahead of their 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the weekend. 

"That [progress] never stops," Arteta said. “The collaboration between the club with what Andrea is doing, and the agent, is very good.

"The good thing is that the players want to remain here and be a big part of the history of this club in the next few years. That’s always positive. They’re willing to drive that and see where we are."

Mikel Arteta and Bukayo Saka

Getty

Saliba has been the subject of transfer speculation from Real Madrid in recent years, however, Saka appears to be going nowhere. While Arsenal will want to secure the future of their academy starlet, the 24-year-old isn't in a rush to put pen to paper.

"For me, I want to win and I want to win wearing this badge," Saka said towards the end of last season.

"I think it is pretty clear. the fans know how much I love them....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."

According to Transfermarket, Saka is currently valued at £130 million, the second-most valuable player in the English Premier League, behind only Manchester City star Erling Haaland.

A new deal for Saka will likely place him among, if not at the top of Arsenal's payroll — an upgrade on his current deal, which pays him £195,000 per week.

Arsenal's top-earning players 2025-26

Per Spotrac

RankPlayerAgeWeekly salaryContract expires
1.Kai Havertz26£280,0002028
2.Gabriel Jesus28£265,0002027
3.Martin Ødegaard26£240,0002028
4.Declan Rice26£240,0002029
5.Viktor Gyökeres27£200,0002030
6.Bukayo Saka24£195,0002027
7.William Saliba24£190,0002027
8.Gabriel Martinelli24£180,0002028
9.Ben White27£150,0002029
10.Gabriel Magalhães27£150,0002029

Benyam Kidane

Benyam Kidane is a senior NBA editor and has been covering the league for The Sporting News since 2016. In his spare time you can find him watching Allen Iverson highlights on repeat.