Saka offered huge pay rise to fend off City

ARSENAL have offered Bukayo Saka a new long-term contract that would see him become one of the club’s best-paid players. The England international has two years left on his current deal and discussions over an extension have been ongoing. Sportsmail revealed last week that Arsenal would accelerate talks amid growing interest from rivals, including Manchester City. And the Gunners, it is understood, have now formally offered Saka an extension worth at least double his current £70,000-a-week salary. As it stands, there is no agreement and it remains to be seen how Saka responds. But there is a confidence at the Emirates that a deal can be struck to secure Saka’s future and lock in his £100million transfer value. Midfielder Thomas Partey and recent signing Gabriel Jesus — who both earn in the region of £200,000 a week — are at the top of Arsenal’s wage bill, but the deal Saka has been offered will see the youngster earn close to that. Securing Saka to a contract extension would come as a major boost to the Gunners amid growing concern behind the scenes over the winger’s future. City view Saka (right) as their dream replacement for Raheem Sterling, who has left for Chelsea.

Saka has ambitions to play in the Champions League. The signings of Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko from City and Fabio Vieira from Porto have boosted Arsenal’s hopes of returning to the competition. However, it remains to be seen whether that will be enough to convince Saka that he can fulfil his goals at Arsenal.

The Gunners yesterday completed the £30m signing of Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City, with the Ukrainian describing the switch as his ‘boyhood dream’. ‘Since Thierry Henry and young Cesc Fabregas was playing here, I was just enjoying watching those games, that Arsenal,’ he said. ‘Obviously I started to love this club, so I am so excited and I cannot wait to play for this amazing club.’