Arsenal and England winger Bukayo Saka has signed a new four-year contract with the Gunners; the 21-year-old became the first Premier League player to hit double-digit goal and assist tallies this season; Saka's new Arsenal deal lasts until 2027.Saka's previous contract was due to expire at the end of next season, with the new deal a major boost to Arsenal and manager Mikel Arteta.The 21-year-old has been one of Arsenal's standout players in the last two seasons, while also establishing himself as a key player for Gareth Southgate's England team since the European Championships in 2021.
Saka has scored 14 goals and registered 11 assists in all competitions for Arsenal this season, while he was also the club's top scorer last term with 11.Saka's excellent season for Arsenal also saw him nominated for the Premier League Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season awards, while Saka also joins Aaron Ramsdale and Gabriel Martinelli in committing their futures to the north London club.
"I'm just really happy," Saka told the Arsenal official website. "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 missing out on the Premier League title to City, Arsenal's campaign has shown that the red half of London is a top place for young players like Saka to develop. With Martin Odegaard and William Saliba rumoured to be next on the new contract agenda, Arsenal have some of the Premier League's brightest sparks and are making them theirs for the long haul.
But Arsenal's next task regarding Saka is to give him more competition. Arteta's next-best option on the right flank is Reiss Nelson, who has only been used for two hours of league football since mid-November.
Arsenal's right-wing reliance on Saka has seen him start every Premier League game for Arsenal bar two in the last two seasons -and it has led to some fatigue in the previous two run-ins.
Vinicius Jr misses training as Real Madrid prepare for Rayo Vallecano
Vinicius Jr was absent from Real Madrid's training on Tuesday morning as the club prepare for their home game against Rayo Vallecano.
Pep Guardiola: Roberto De Zerbiis one of the most influential managers of the last 20 years
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Evan Ferguson: The making of Brighton forward who could develop into a £100m player
Evan Ferguson has undergone a superb breakthrough season at Brighton at just 18-years-old; the Republic of Ireland forward has helped the Seagulls secure European football for the first time; Sky Sports News charts his rise from Bettystown to the cusp of a big move.As Brighton secured European football for the first time in the club's history with help from two Evan Ferguson goals against Southampton on Sunday, there was a celebration for what will be, but also a tinge of regret for what could have been.If the kid who could become king had not been unavailable for nearly a month through an ankle injury, the south coast club are confident they would have had Newcastle and Manchester United fretting over a Champions League spot, while reaching the FA Cup final at the expense of the latter.At just 18, the impact Ferguson has had during his breakthrough season both on Brighton's attack and opposition defences has been pronounced enough for some sharp minds in football to declare he could develop into a £100m player.No one involved in the Republic of Ireland international's formative years would mark that as hyperbole. Those working with Ferguson now believe we are being treated to a live showcase of a Premier League great in the making.Is that too much expectation and pressure on a teenager? An unequivocal 'no' is the response from those who know him best.
Manchester City are ready to take on arch-rivals Liverpool in the battle to sign Brighton World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister.
Liverpool have asked referee body the PGMOL to explain two decisions at the weekend, which they feel crossed the clear and obvious threshold despite the scrutiny of VAR.Avram Glazer has reportedly billed two private jet flights to Manchester United in recent months, with the club's majority shareholder allegedly spending £250,000 on separate trips to watch matches at Wembley Stadium.
Arsenal defender Ben White could be named in the England squad for upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers after Gareth Southgate reached out to hold clear-the-air talks.
Manchester United are dumping Anthony Martial after running out of patience with the Frenchman, who stormed straight down the tunnel after he was substituted against Bournemouth on Saturday.
Old Trafford could witness another star Brazilian arrival this summer amid rumours Casemiro is doing his bit to tempt Paris Saint-Germain stud Neymar to Manchester United.
