‘There’ll be ramifications’: Keith Wyness warns Arsenal over Bukayo Saka’s record-breaking deal
Bukayo Saka’s new contract at Arsenal may have a knock-on effect on other stars wanting pay rises.
That is according to ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, after Saka signed a new long-term deal which will make him the club’s best paid player on £300,000 a week.
The move continues Arsenal‘s desire to tie down key players, with no contracts set to expire at the end of this season.
Saka’s deal was due to expire in 2027, but the 24-year-old continues his journey at the club which he has been at since he was seven.
Bukayo Saka ‘part of the Arsenal footprint’
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes Saka deserves his new deal.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness thinks the move will keep Saka “settled” in north London.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Yeah, I think it is justified. I think he’s been consistent with Arsenal. He’s been done very well for England as well.
“We all know he’s a real talent, and he’s got it there. He’s had a few injuries, but still he’s come back, and I think Saka is part of the Arsenal footprint, he’s part of the DNA. And I think, again, this carries on something that’s been very important for Mikel Arteta is to get all these players, these big players, re-signed without any big fuss and having no big dramas.
“And they’ve managed to do that quite successfully. In this case, yes, it’ll cost some money and there’ll be ramifications in terms of other players wanting some wage rises. But that’s Arsenal, and they’ve put together a very well-disciplined squad.
“And I think they’ll follow through, and they’ll get the league title done. But look, it’s not easy these days to keep young talent, particularly when they’re the pedigree of Saka. And I think that will keep him settled. And I think he’s a very important player for that squad.”
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Who could be next to sign new Arsenal contract?
Arsenal now have just four current first team players whose contracts will expire in 2027 after Saka’s new deal.
Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard, and Christian Norgaard may be next in line for new deals at the club, if Mikel Arteta wants them to remain at Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners have the option to extend Martinelli and Norgaard’s contracts by an extra year, whilst Jesus has been linked with a return to Brazil.