Arsenal trigger 12-month extension in star’s contract

Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table to seven points on Saturday as they beat Brighton and Hove Albion 4-2. 

Bukayo Saka was once again on sensational form for The Gunners, opening the scoring after just two minutes.

The England international has started the season superbly, and Arsenal have now moved to ensure that the star stays put.

According to The Mail, the club has opted to trigger a 12-month extension to Saka’s current deal, which was due to expire next summer.

Arsenal triggered the extension before the clause expired last month, meaning Saka is now contracted to his current club until the summer of 2024.

The move has allowed Arsenal more time to agree a long-term extension with the Englishman, who signed an initial three-year deal with the club back in 2020.

It is also claimed that The Gunners have triggered an extension in the contracts of both William Saliba and Charlie Patino.

Saka scored Arsenal’s opener against Brighton on Saturday

Saka, 21, has been instrumental for his side this term, scoring six goals and providing six assists in the league to propel The Gunners to the summit of the table.

To date, the winger has made more than 150 appearances for the club since graduating from their academy.

The versatile player, who can be deployed in a number of roles including at left-back and on either wing, was previously linked with a number of other clubs including Liverpool, but it seems that his current employers are desperate to keep hold of him.

Since establishing himself as a regular for Arsenal, Saka has also become a regular starter for England, being part of the squad for Euro 2020 and the World Cup in Qatar.

He boasts an impressive record for The Three Lions, having scored seven goals in 24 appearances including three at the World Cup.