Having joined the club aged seven, Hale End’s prized export Bukayo Saka has agreed to extend his stay in north London for at least another four years. As one of English football’s most potent forwards this term, his performances have warranted a significant upgrade to his previous terms, which now sees him rank firmly among the Premier League‘s highest paid players.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Bukayo Saka’s bumper new contract will make him Arsenal’s highest earner with a yearly figure in the ‘region of £15 million.’
Gabriel Jesus’ short-lived period as the club’s top earner saw him pocket just under £14 million this season, with Thomas Partey and Gabriel Martinelli, who was also tied down with an improved contract recently, just behind him on the payroll.
Saka’s startling impact since emerging through the ranks under Unai Emery is indicative of Arsenal’s new-found ethos, which has placed a heavy emphasis on promoting youth and trusting relatively inexperienced players.
This culminated in a nearly-season for the Gunners, who have faltered at the final hurdle in an otherwise overwhelmingly successful year for Mikel Arteta’ blossoming squad.
🗣️ "When I made my first-team debut, that's when I realised I've achieved that dream."@IanWright0 talks to Bukayo Saka about extending his contract at Arsenal and progressing from a Hale End graduate to the first-team 🔴📝 pic.twitter.com/uNqWHAlBT0
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 24, 2023
Saka, who only turned 21 last September, has been a glowing example of what youthful exuberance can bring, and the maturity he has displayed throughout his most productive season yet (14 goals and 11 assists) has earned him nominations for both PFA Player and Young Player of the Year.
While £15 million-per-season sees him firmly at the top of the tree at Arsenal, Saka’s new contract still ranks outside the top 10 highest earners in the Premier League.
The rest of the 11 players above him all feature for one of three clubs – Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United.
It is no secret United have enticed some of their recent signings with inflated wage packages, with Jadon Sancho (£18.2m), Raphael Varane (£17.6m) and Casemiro (£15.6m) all in the top 10, while longest-serving player David De Gea is the Premier League’s joint-second highest earner behind Kevin De Bruyne.
Meanwhile, Manchester City’s fourth title in five years is testament to their world-beating recruitment, which is of course helped by being able to pay an astronomical wage bill – they have four players in the league’s top 15 highest earners.
Premier League’s Highest Paid Players
1. Kevin De Bruyne – £20.8m
2. David de Gea – £19.5m
3. Erling Haaland – £19.5m
4. Jadon Sancho – £18.2m
5. Mohamed Salah – £18.2m
6. Raphael Varane – £17.6m
7. Raheem Sterling – £16.9m
8. Casemiro – £15.6m
9. Jack Grealish – £15.6m
10. Kalidou Koulibaly – £15.3m
11. N’Golo Kante – £15m
12. Bukayo Saka – £15m
13. Gabriel Jesus – £13.7m
14. Anthony Martial – £13m
15. John Stones – £13m
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