Arsenal's Bukayo Saka decision speaks volumes as Mikel Arteta makes feelings clear

Arsenal are set to make Bukayo Saka one of the highest paid players in the Premier League, according to reports.

The Gunners have already agreed a new five-year contract with William Saliba, who has pledged his allegiance to the Emirates until 2030. Now, the focus is on Saka, with negotiations progressing positively and an agreement expected in the coming weeks.

At 24, Saka is entering the final two years of his current deal but has publicly expressed his desire to remain at Arsenal and chase silverware. While no immediate resolution is anticipated, discussions have left both parties optimistic a deal can be reached.

According to the Mirror, Any new deal will place Saka amongst the highest earners at Arsenal and the rest of the Premier League. Mikel Arteta confirmed last week, following Saliba's commitment, securing Saka's future was the next priority.

Arteta said: "I would love that [for Saka to sign a new deal]. From everything that I know, again he’s a player that is extremely happy and proud to be [here] and to have the role that he has in the football club. He’s been developing in a natural way like they always do. Everyone knows how important Bukayo is for us so hopefully we can do it.”

The Gunners' move to commit Saka to a new deal speaks volumes, as it highlights the significant value the England international brings to the club, and what Arsenal are prepared to do to keep him at the Emirates Stadium.

The England international's standing as one of the leading forwards of his generation, both for club and country, means he can demand one of the most lucrative contracts, not only at Arsenal, but also within English football.

He holds significant sway at Arsenal, is immensely popular, boasts a high market value and is a considerable commercial attraction.

Saliba's contract, believed to be worth around £250,000-per-week, was drawn up in an attempt to ward off interest from major European clubs, with Real Madrid known admirers. Saka would also have no shortage of suitors, and Arsenal are currently undertaking a significant overhaul of contracts for their key players.

Saka has already made his love for the Gunners clear. Speaking to the press in April, before Arsenal's first-leg Champions League victory over Real Madrid, he said: "For me, I want to win and I want to win wearing this badge.

"I think it is pretty clear – the fans know how much I love them and you saw when I came on on Tuesday [against Everton], 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."

Arsenal's new sporting director, Andrea Berta, had a hectic transfer window, with the club splashing out over £300million in the summer. However, Berta has emphasised securing contracts and retaining key players is of paramount importance to the club.

They've managed to strike deals with Gabriel, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly in recent months. Securing Saka's future would be another move which would be warmly received by the fans, providing a further boost to the season.

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