Arsenal are set to open contract talks with Bukayo Saka, with the attacker set to receive a sizeable pay rise from new sporting director Andrea Berta.
Berta arrived at Arsenal a matter of weeks ago and, alongside plotting the club’s summer transfer strategy, is seeking to tie down the best talent the Gunners have on long-term contracts.
Saka, who has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €113 million, is now set to be made one of Arsenal’s best-paid players, according to TBR Football, which states that the new sporting director has prioritised new contracts ahead of new signings.
The England international is reportedly paid €225,000 per week (£195,000) currently, with Kai Havertz the Gunners’ highest earner on around €340,000 (£295,000).
It remains to be seen if Arsenal are prepared to go all the way to break their pay scale to have Saka sign a new long-term deal. The idea is that the club must show “huge respect” to their existing stars.
Saka’s season has been hampered by a hamstring injury that kept him on the sidelines for three months, during which time his absence was severely felt by the Gunners.
He returned with a bang as he produced a stellar display against Real Madrid in a 3-0 Champions League win.
Saka: I’m not in a rush to sign new deal
Although he is not thought to be in a hurry to sign a new deal, he has already committed his future to the club.
“For me, I want to win and I want to win wearing this badge,” he said.
“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.”
Arsenal, meanwhile, are hopeful that Saka’s contract issue is resolved by the time the season ends, allowing them to focus on potential new signings.
