Saka's Epic Week: Headers, Deals, and Arsenal's Title Hopes Hanging on Their Star Boy
Bukayo Saka marked a stellar week with an FA Cup return, a new five-year Arsenal contract worth £300k/week, and a headed opener against Wolves ending his 15-game drought. As Arsenal's homegrown 'franchise player', he's central to their title bid amid a secure squad spine. Yet critics eye his goal tally, demanding more firepower to match his mega-deal.
Saka's Rollercoaster Return
Blimey, what a week for Bukayo Saka. The Arsenal wing wizard shook off an injury layoff with a bang in the FA Cup romp over Wigan, where the Gunners smashed in 4-0. Days later, he inked a shiny new five-year deal, locking in his future at his boyhood club right through his prime years.
But the cherry on top? Against Wolves, Saka nodded home after just five minutes from a pinpoint Declan Rice cross. He ended a grim 15-game goalless drought – his longest ever – and celebrated by pretending to sign autographs for the away fans. Cheeky sod. That early strike has the Emirates buzzing, with Arsenal top of the Premier League and still in the cups.
It's like he's flipped a switch just as the title run-in looms. Could this be the spark to drag the Gunners over the line?
From Academy Gem to Franchise Face
Rewind a bit, and Arsenal's tale is one of heartbreak. Back in the tail-end Wenger days, they were giants by reputation but leaky at the top end. Cesc Fabregas bolted to Barcelona, Robin van Persie eyed silverware at Man United, and Alexis Sanchez fancied bigger pastures too.
Stars kept scarpering, leaving the club treading water. Meanwhile, a kid called Saka was grafting in the academy – homegrown, talented as they come, and apparently a top bloke off the pitch. Fast forward, and he's the 'franchise player', the lad carrying Arsenal's dreams like an NFL quarterback.
New signings won't out-earn him, we're told. His reported £300k-a-week payday – a £100k bump – slots him joint-fifth among Prem earners. But every name above him has multiple titles. Ouch. Still, with William Saliba, Gabriel, Ethan Nwaneri, and Myles Lewis-Skelly also penned long-term, Arsenal's core is rock-solid till at least 2028.
Goals or Bust: The Big Test Ahead
Saka's love for Arsenal helped seal the deal, but let's not kid ourselves – suitors like Real Madrid or Man City were always a nudge away from the table. Now committed, the spotlight intensifies. He's got 7 goals in 33 games this term, averaging 0.61 G/A per match. Solid? Aye. Superstar level? Debatable.
Compare to Mo Salah, who's copping flak yet boasts 10 G/A already. Pundits like Jamie Carragher question if Arsenal lack a true 'killer'. Saka skipped last year's Ballon d'Or top 30, and his output's dipped amid injuries and double-teams.
Fans bang on about his all-round game – crosses, dribbles, you name it. Fair play. But history's elite wingers? They bury chances. Think Henry, Giggs, Ronaldo – goals galore. Arsenal's punt on Saka as their future demands trophies for the club and more box magic from him.
No pressure, Bucky. With the Gunners flying high – top of the league, cup runs intact – this contract feels like a masterstroke. But deliver silverware, or it's back to the 'nearly men' chat. Here's hoping that Wolves header's the start of something massive. Over to you, Saka.