Bukayo Saka has described Arsenal as “the right place to make the next step” in his career after signing a new long-term contract with the Premier League runners-up.
The 21-year-old England attacker has enjoyed a superb season with the Gunners, scoring 14 goals in all competitions, as well as contributing 11 assists.
Saka made his Gunners debut in November 2018 and has made 178 appearances for the North London club, scoring 37 goals.
“I'm just really happy,” Saka said on Tuesday after agreeing to a deal that will keep him at the club until at least 2027.
“There's been a lot of talking and it's been a while, but I'm here now. I think this is the right club, the right place to make the next step. It's a beautiful club – look where we are.
“For me, it's about achieving my personal ambitions – how much I push myself and demand from myself each game, week in, week out. Then I have all the right people around me in terms of family, and when I come to the training ground, my teammates, the coaching staff.
“I think I have everything I need to become the best player I can be, and that's why I'm happy to stay here and be here for the future, because I really believe that we can achieve big things.”
Despite the disappointment of losing out in the title race to Manchester City, Arsenal do have the satisfaction of playing Champions League football next season for the first time since 2017.
“I have seen a lot of change,” he added. “I've seen this team and the club grow, and one thing that everyone around us can be excited about is that we are going in the right direction.
-
Arsenal's Martin Odegaard celebrates scoring their second goal with Bukayo Saka in the 2-0 Premier League win against Spurs at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 15, 2023. Reuters -
Arsenal's Bukayo Saka celebrates with manager Mikel Arteta. PA -
Arsenal's Martin Odegaard celebrates in front of the away fans following victory. PA -
Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah celebrates on the pitch. AFP -
Arsenal's Martin Odegaard celebrates after scoring the second goal. Getty -
Martin Odegaard celebrates with his teammates. EPA -
Players from both sides clash after the match. Reuters -
Arsenal's Eddie Nketiah celebrates after the match. Action Images -
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta celebrates after Martin Odegaard's goal. Action Images -
Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale enjoys the derby. Reuters -
Arsenal midfielder Bukayo Saka (3r) celebrates the opening goal against Tottenham. AFP -
Hugo Lloris scores an own goal and Arsenal's first. Reuters -
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta celebrates after the first goal. Getty -
Hugo Lloris after scoring an own goal. Getty -
Tottenham's Richarlison comes on as a substitute to replace Matt Doherty. Action Images -
Tottenham's coach Antonio Conte watches the action. AP -
Harry Kane in action against Granit Xhaka. EPA
“Time is on our side. You can look at our team and a lot of the players are young. We're hungry, and a lot of us haven't won trophies at Arsenal so we want to achieve big things. If you watch the way we all speak, we want to win and we want to win here.
“It's been too long since this club has had Champions League football. I'm really looking forward to Tuesday and Wednesday nights in this stadium, the atmosphere is going to be special.”
Saka joins goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale in signing a new deal in the past few days and manager Mikel Arteta expressed his delight at the latest news.
“It’s great for the club that Bukayo has extended his contract,” the Spaniard said.
“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.
“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.”
