Bukayo Saka has committed his future to Arsenal by signing a new long-term contract.
The 21-year-old, who came through the club’s youth ranks, has enjoyed a sensational 2022/23 season, scoring 13 goals and providing 11 assists in their title-challenging campaign as the Gunners just fell short of a first Premier League crown since 2004.
From Hale End to first team. Arsenal through and through.
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 23, 2023
It’s time for the next chapter.
Bukayo Saka: Gunner ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ngVKSlJ1UG
"I’m just really happy," Saka said on Arsenal's official website. "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.
"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."
See: Long Read: The rise and rise of Bukayo Saka
Manager Mikel Arteta added: "It’s great for the club that Bukayo has extended his contract.
"As well as being a fantastic talent, Bukayo is a special person, he’s loved by us all and he is a credit to himself and his family for the hard work and commitment they have all made to get to this level today."
It has been another year of progression for Saka, who is a nominee for the EA SPORTS Player of the Season and Hublot Young Player of the Season awards.
Since his first Premier League start for the club in the 2019/20 season, a 3-2 success against Aston Villa, the Gunners’ academy graduate has become a crucial player and epitomised Arsenal’s progress under Arteta, improving season after season and ultimately helping the club challenge for the title this campaign while taking them back into the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 2016/17.
Some of his best moments in an Arsenal shirt so far include a goal and man-of-the-match performance in a 3-1 success over Chelsea in 2020/21, a goal and assist against fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur in 2021/22 as they secured a 3-1 victory, and a brace in this season’s 3-2 win over Liverpool.
Saka’s Premier League seasons in numbers
| Season | Apps. | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018/19 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019/20 | 26 | 1 | 5 |
| 2020/21 | 32 | 5 | 3 |
| 2021/22 | 38 | 11 | 7 |
| 2022/23* | 37 | 13 | 11 |
| Total | 134 | 30 | 26 |
*Season yet to be concluded
Saka becomes the second player in a matter of days to sign a new Arsenal contract, after Aaron Ramsdale also put pen to paper.
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Arsenal will hope to finish their season on a high when they host Wolverhampton Wanderers this Sunday at Emirates Stadium.
