Bukayo Saka commits future to Arsenal in record deal

February 18, 2026 Oliver Obel

Arsenal have moved to remove any doubt over Bukayo Saka’s long-term future, agreeing a new five-year contract that underlines his importance to Mikel Arteta’s side.

BBC Sport journalist Sami Mokbel reports that the England winger has signed a deal worth more than £300,000 per week. The agreement runs until 2031 and makes Saka the highest-paid player in the club’s history.

Talks over improved terms had been progressing for months after an agreement in principle was reached late last year. With the paperwork now complete, Arsenal have ensured that one of the Premier League’s most consistent attacking players will remain at the Emirates throughout his peak years.

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From Hale End to the Heart of the Team

Saka’s rise has mirrored Arsenal’s resurgence. A Hale End academy graduate, he made his senior debut under Unai Emery as a teenager during a turbulent period for the club. He quickly became indispensable.

Now 24, he has already played 296 matches in all competitions, scoring 77 goals and providing 78 assists. Those numbers only tell part of the story. In tight title races over the past two seasons, Saka has regularly been the outlet Arsenal turn to when games drift or defences sit deep.

He has also worn the captain’s armband on occasion — a reflection of how quickly he has grown from promising academy product into one of the leaders in the dressing room.

Part of a Bigger Plan

Saka’s renewal is not an isolated move. Arsenal have spent the past 18 months aggressively protecting the core of a squad that has pushed Manchester City deep into consecutive title challenges.

William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães have signed long-term extensions, while younger prospects such as Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly have also committed their futures. Max Dowman has agreed professional terms as well, reinforcing the club’s emphasis on youth development.

Rather than waiting for contracts to run down, Arsenal’s hierarchy have acted early. It avoids distractions and sends a clear message about stability.

Focus Remains on Silverware

Saka has made 33 appearances this season, scoring seven goals at the time of writing, as Arsenal compete on several fronts — including the Premier League title race and the Champions League knockout phase.

For a club that has come close in recent campaigns, keeping its most reliable wide threat tied down may prove just as important as any signing.

The deal does not guarantee trophies. But it ensures that, whatever comes next, Arsenal will build around a player developed in their own academy — and one who is already central to everything they do.

Sources: BBC Sport, reporting by Sami Mokbel