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‘Fantastic talent’ Saka signs new long-term Arsenal contract

BUKAYO Saka has committed his future to Arsenal by extending his stay at the club for several more years.

The 21-year-old England international with Nigerian heritage signed a new four-year deal with the Gunners today, with his previous contract due to expire in June 2024.

“Our England international forward Bukayo Saka has signed a new long-term contract,” Arsenal announced on their official website today.

“Since joining the club as an eight-year-old, Bukayo has progressed from our academy into the first team, with this season once again underlining his status as one of the finest talents in the country thanks to another truly exceptional campaign.

“The 21-year-old, who has featured in every single one of our Premier League matches over the past two seasons, has scored 14 goals in all competitions in 2022/23, including 11 assists, bettering his tally of 12 goals last season. His superb development and consistent strong performances have resulted in him already making a total of 178 first-team appearances.

“Before this campaign, Bukayo was voted by our supporters as Player of the Season for 2020/21 and 2021/22, making him the first player to retain the honour since Thierry Henry in 2005.

“This season, he won the Premier League Player of the Month for March and also collected the Young Player of the Year at the recent London Football Awards. He has also been nominated for this year’s Premier League Player of the Season as well as their Young Player of the Season award.”

Saka, who made his first team debut in the Europa League aged 17 in November 2018, also became the first player born in the 21st century to play in a Premier League match when he came on as a substitute during Arsenal’s 4-1 home win over Fulham on New Year’s Day 2019.

“I’m just really happy. I think this is the right club, the right place to make the next step. It’s a beautiful club,” Saka said after putting pen to paper.

“I think I have everything I need to become the best player I can be.”

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised the youngster, who played a pivotal role this season as the Gunners challenged for the Premier League title and earned a return to the UEFA Champions League.

“It’s great for the club that Bukayo has extended his contract. Retaining our best young talents is key to our continued progress and Bukayo represents such an important part of our squad now and for the future,” the Spaniard noted.

“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.

“Together with our supporters, we’re so looking forward to enjoying Bukayo’s continued development with us in the years to come.”

Sporting Director Edu said: “It has been so enjoyable to work with everyone to extend Bukayo’s contract. It is a very proud moment for us all at the club, to work hard with Bukayo and experience his great journey from our academy through to our first team.

“Bukayo has now developed into one of the best young players in the game and we’re looking forward to enjoying together this next stage of his career with us.”

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