Bukayo Saka has sent a message to Arsenal fans after putting pen to paper on a new contract at the Emirates Stadium.
The 18-year-old has been one of the most impressive performers for Arsenal this season, filling in in the left-back role and, more recently, playing further up the pitch.
Arsenal announced on Wednesday afternoon that the teenager has agreed a “long-term” contract with the club, meaning that he will remain at the Emirates Stadium for the foreseeable future.
Saka’s old deal was due to expire at the end of next season, meaning that Arsenal risked losing the player for nothing should an agreement not have been reached, although Arteta seemed relaxed with the situation in his pre-match press conference yesterday.
Following the news that Saka had signed a new contract, the player has quickly taken to social media to send a message to fans about the future.
“London is my home. Arsenal my team,” he wrote.
“I’m so happy to finally announce my contract extension I love playing for this club and I’m looking forward to what the future holds.. The hard work continues so I can continue living my dream God is Great !!”
The wideman also told Arsenal's website why he decided to sign the deal.
“It's Arsenal, you know. Come on, it's Arsenal!” He said. “The stadium is great, the fans are great, the club is great. Everything about this club is great.
"I love playing for Arsenal, you know. I love playing for the coach, the fans, my team-mates, I really believe in the philosophy that the boss is bringing and what he's building, and I'm just really excited to see where he's going to take us in the future.
“I felt that it was right in my heart to extend my contract here and I feel like this is going to be best for my development.
“When I was at Hale End, I just remember always seeing a picture of Jack Wilshere on the walls when I walked in every single day,” he added. “I just used to tell myself that it's possible to get into this first team, that there's a pathway.
“Now that I'm in this position and that I've got to the level he got to when he was my age, I'm really proud of myself, I'm really happy and I just want to keep taking each day by day, staying humble and trying to get better each day.”
Mikel Arteta has also spoken of his delight at getting the deal over the line.
“Bukayo is a talented and intelligent young player,” he told the official Arsenal website. “He has impressed me with his work ethic and attitude to learn and adapt, and it has paid off in his performances. I am excited to continue working with him to develop him further, and for him to help us achieve our goals.”
