Bukayo Saka: Arsenal youngster pens long-term contract extension

The 18-year-old has come through the academy ranks with the Gunners and has gone to make himself a first-team regular under new boss Mikel Arteta

Arsenal's Bukayo Saka in action (Action Images via Reuters)

Arsenal youngster Bukayo Saka has put speculation over his future to bed by signing a new long-term deal with the club, it has been announced.

The 18-year-old has come through the academy ranks with the Gunners and has gone to make himself a first-team regular under new boss Mikel Arteta ever since making his debut in the Europa League back in 2018.

Saka is delighted to have finally put pen to paper and believes staying put will be the best move for his development as a player.

“It's Arsenal, you know. Come on, it's Arsenal!” he said. “The stadium is great, the fans are great, the club is great. Everything about this club is great.

"I love playing for Arsenal, you know. I love playing for the coach, the fans, my team-mates, I really believe in the philosophy that the boss is bringing and what he's building, and I'm just really excited to see where he's going to take us in the future.

“I felt that it was right in my heart to extend my contract here and I feel like this is going to be best for my development."

Arteta, who has used Saka in both defence and midfield this season, is pleased to see one of his core pieces commit himself to the project.

“Bukayo is a talented and intelligent young player,” he said. “He has impressed me with his work ethic and attitude to learn and adapt, and it has paid off in his performances.

“I am excited to continue working with him to develop him further, and for him to help us achieve our goals.”

Technical director Edu Gaspar added: “This is something everyone involved wanted to happen and we are delighted that Bukayo has signed a new long-term contract.

“He’s making great progress and is one of a number of young players who have developed through our academy.

“This is so important for us as we move forward as a club.”