Arsenal tie Bukayo Saka to mammoth five-year contract to ward off Real Madrid, others

Arsenal have secured the long-term future of Bukayo Saka after the winger signed a blockbuster five-year contract extension.

The new deal makes the England international the highest-paid player at the Emirates and underlines the club’s ambition to keep their brightest star amid interest from European heavyweights including Real Madrid.

Saka has committed his future to North London until 2031, despite his previous contract running through to 2027.

The agreement is understood to be worth at least £78 million, with the 24-year-old set to earn in excess of £300,000 per week.

A Hale End academy graduate, Saka is approaching his 300th senior appearance for Arsenal, having already racked up 77 goals and 78 assists in 296 matches.

His development into one of the Premier League’s elite wide players has made him central to Arsenal’s title credentials in recent seasons.

Saka’s renewal follows a series of long-term commitments at the club, with William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly also signing new deals.

The news comes as Mikel Arteta’s side chase their first Premier League crown since the 2003/04 Invincibles season.

Arsenal currently sit four points clear at the top of the table and remain alive in multiple competitions, having reached the FA Cup fifth round, the Carabao Cup final and the Champions League last 16, fuelling hopes of a historic campaign.