Arsenal
Arsenal urgently offering fresh terms to this promising 18-year-old academy gem is the need of the hour
Why Arsenal should offer Bukayo Saka fresh terms at the earliest
According to the Metro, Arsenal are set to reward academy starlet Bukayo Saka with fresh and improved terms following a promising start to his breakthrough season.
The 18-year-old made his senior professional bow for the Gunners in the Europe League last year but he has broken into manager Unai Emery’s plans for the Premier League this term, having impressed the head-coach with his development and commitment during the Gunners’ pre-season tour of the United States.
Saka grabbed the headlines with a man-of-the-match performance in Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on Matchday 1 of the UEFA Europa League, scoring his first senior goal in the process and the talented attacker has started each of the Gunners’ last three Premier League games heading into the international break.
The London-born starlet has usurped fellow academy graduate Reiss Nelson in Emery’s pecking order and justified the manager’s selection with yet another wonderful display in the 1-1 draw against Man United, assisting Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to help the Gunners come back from a goal down.
The 18-year-old, who starred for Arsenal’s U-18 and U-23 sides in the previous campaign, has made a seamless transition to the highly competitive atmosphere of the Premier League this season, with the teenager hardly ever looking overwhelmed by the presence of more accomplished stars around him.
Saka has more than held his own in front of big commanding centre-backs in the league while also managing to get the fans off their feet with his lightning pace, trickery and eye for a killer pass.
However, perhaps the most impressive thing about him has been the end product in his game, which so often goes missing among other young players in the same mould.
Well, if the first few games this season are anything to go by, it is pretty easy to see as to why Bukayo Saka is held in such high regard at the Emirates.
The teenager has already illustrated a level of maturity that belies his tender years, both in terms of decision-making and composure in crucial situations in the final third, and he certainly has a big future ahead of him.
The Gunners secured with long-term future of Joe Willock with a brand new deal last month and Saka, who is also making waves with his promising displays in the first-team, deserves to be rewarded with fresh and improved terms.
To put things into perspective, Arsenal offering Bukayo Saka a new deal would be yet another step that indicates the club’s renewed trust in their academy prospects.
The Gunners currently have some top-quality up and coming starlets from their academy pushing for a place in the senior ranks and holding on to them is certainly indispensable to the success of their project under Emery.
Arsenal have been left red-faced by the development of some of the youngsters who slipped out of their hands, with the rise of Donyell Malen and Jeff Reine-Adelaide at PSV Eindhoven and Lyon being prime examples of their failure to preserve academy prospects in recent times.
With that in mind, a new deal for Saka should be a top priority for the Gunners, as it would go a long way towards shielding the 18-year-old from foreign interest.
British-based youngsters migrating to the German Bundesliga in search of more playtime has become a common trend these days and Arsenal should ensure that Saka stays put.
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Plus, Saka is only going to get better with time and a new contract would be a clear and obvious vote of confidence from the club hierarchy in the player’s abilities. That is likely to make him feel more secure at the club, strengthen his position and work wonders for his overall development.
That said, Arsenal should make it a top priority to reward Bukayo Saka with a new deal at the earliest.
Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in what could prove decisive for the Gunners’ Premier League title ambitions. Arsenal sit top of the table with 61 points from 28 matches, five points clear of Manchester City, who still have a game in hand, while Chelsea occupy 7th with 45 points after being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Burnley at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
This represents a huge opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s side to put further distance between themselves and the chasing pack before facing Brighton away on Wednesday. Chelsea arrive at the Emirates in patchy form under Liam Rosenior, who has won just two of his eight league matches since replacing Enzo Maresca in January despite an encouraging start to his tenure.
Kick-off: 4:30 GMT, Sunday, March 1, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium
TV: Sky Sports
Kai Havertz Returns to Haunt Former Club
Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday that Kai Havertz will train on Saturday ahead of the Chelsea clash, giving the German a chance to feature against his former employers. Havertz has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since early February, but scored the winner in Arsenal’s 1-0 Carabao Cup semi final victory over Chelsea earlier this month.
The 26 year old has endured a nightmare campaign with injuries limiting him to just 158 Premier League minutes this season, though he has still managed two goals and two assists when available. Viktor Gyokeres has flourished in Havertz’s absence, scoring twice in the 4-1 North London Derby demolition of Tottenham last weekend.
Rosenior Yet to Face Top Six Opposition
Liam Rosenior faces his first test against a top six side in the league since taking charge of Chelsea, having only faced teams sitting 7th or lower during his opening eight matches. His winning run needs proper context, given the quality of opposition, with recent dropped points against Leeds and Burnley at Stamford Bridge exposing serious vulnerabilities.
Arteta has beaten Rosenior twice already this season in the two legged Carabao Cup semi final, and the Spanish manager will fancy his chances of completing a treble over the Chelsea boss. Bukayo Saka should be fit despite limping off late against Spurs, while Ben White remains doubtful with a niggle.
Predicted Lineups: Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Disasi, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson
Also read: Kai Havertz Injury Update: Real Timeline and Medical Details Revealed!
Arsenal Dragon
Update Given Following Arsenal Injury Scare as Olivia Smith Discharged From Hospital After Being Stretchered Off During FA Cup Win Over Bristol City
Arsenal star Olivia Smith has been discharged from hospital after being stretchered off the field during their Women’s FA Cup game against Bristol City. The forward, who joined the Gunners in the summer, played just under an hour before being forced off with pictures showing a neck brace around the 21 year old at Meadow Park.
This was a worrying moment for Arsenal supporters watching on Sunday afternoon. The Canadian international went down, receiving lengthy treatment before being taken off on a stretcher as a precaution. Thankfully, the injury appears to be far less serious than initially feared.
Left Hospital Yesterday Evening
According to Arsenal reporter Tim Stillman, Olivia Smith left the hospital yesterday evening after tests were run and will return to be assessed this week ahead of the March international break. This is brilliant news for Arsenal, who cannot afford to lose Smith for any length of time, given her importance to the team.
It is believed that her involvement with Canada is still up in the air, with the Canucks facing a triple header of friendlies against Colombia, Argentina, and the United States over the coming two weeks. Arsenal’s next match sees them face London City Lionesses in mid March.
Big Boost for Champions League Hopes
With no video available for Arsenal’s cup game against Bristol City, there was huge concern surrounding Smith’s condition for those unable to attend the game at Meadow Park. Thankfully, what seemed initially to be a severe injury has turned out to be a fairly minor incident.
While Stina Blackstenius and Alessia Russo are both more than capable options to lead the line, it has been Smith who has been Renee Slegers’ favoured choice and proven to be a brilliant signing since her arrival from Liverpool. Having Smith likely available for both legs of the Chelsea Champions League quarter final is a massive boost for Arsenal’s hopes of retaining their European crown.
Arsenal
Arsenal Star Named WSL Player of the Month for January as Midfielder Continues Outstanding Form Following 400th Appearance Milestone
Kim Little has been named January’s Barclays Women’s Super League Player of the Month, recognition that follows her 400th appearance for Arsenal. The captain has made an outstanding start to 2026, completing every minute in the WSL and helping secure two clean sheets and four points from fixtures against Manchester United and Chelsea.
Little drove the midfield against United in the 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium and was again pivotal in the disciplined defensive display at Stamford Bridge that delivered that historic 2-0 win over the Blues. This is absolutely deserved recognition for one of Arsenal’s most influential players, who continues to perform at the highest level despite being 35 years old.
400th Appearance Came in Belgium
Little’s landmark 400th appearance came in Belgium as Arsenal won 4-0 at OH Leuven to close in on a Champions League London derby with Chelsea. The Scottish playmaker came on as a second half substitute in the 82nd minute, replacing Olivia Smith, to reach 400 appearances.
This achievement is even more notable given the time she spent playing in the USA and Australia during her career. Little has become one of the defining figures of the modern Arsenal era, establishing herself as an absolute legend at the club.
Chelsea Awaits in Champions League Quarterfinals
Provided nothing dramatic unfolds at Meadow Park next week, Chelsea awaits in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Arsenal hold a commanding 4-0 advantage from the first leg and are overwhelming favorites to progress to a mouth watering London derby in the last eight.
Little will be central to Arsenal’s hopes of defending their Champions League crown, with the midfielder’s experience and leadership qualities proving invaluable during the knockout stages of major competitions. Her consistent performances continue to set the standard for everyone around her.
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