Finance expert says Arsenal are getting ‘half price’ deal on new Bukayo Saka contract with wage explanation

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Arsenal star Bukayo Saka could be the latest star to extend his contract with the club, after a whole raft of new deals within the squad.

The Gunners have been working hard throughout the past few months to strengthen the core of the squad.

With Andrea Berta in charge of the sporting direction, he pushed to secure eight signings worth roughly £250 million over the summer.

There have also been new deals for Ethan Nwaneri, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Myles Lewis-Skelly, alongside the latest contract for William Saliba.

Now, TBR Football understands Arsenal are set for talks with Saka over a new contract, with the 24-year-old set for a potential extension.

That could end up being a huge deal, one that may well come a bit cheaper than expected, according to Kieran Maguire.

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Amortisation will help Arsenal cover true cost of new Bukayo Saka contract

As Arsenal look to seal a new deal for Bukayo Saka, attention will naturally turn towards the finances involved.

Arsenal’s wage bill is set to hit around the £400 million mark with the new signings and deals all incorporated, putting them among the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City at the very top.

With that in mind, finance expert Kieran Maguire has actually explained how Saka’s deal and wages may come at a fraction of his true value.

He revealed on the Beyond The Back Four podcast: “Very good deal for Arsenal.

“[They] Want players to be happy, feel valued. Saka will do so when the deal is signed.

“From an Arsenal POV and all other clubs, especially elite, look at cost of employing a player each year, which is amortisation.

“Saka is a £120 million player, signs a 5-year deal that’s £24 million a year in amortisations plus wages [roughly £300k], getting him for half price when maths is done.

“Not just looking at one aspect of recruitment, but all of it, Arsenal have learned from Ashley Cole – came through ranks, great player, offered a ‘derisory’ figure and joined Chelsea.

“Left a bad taste between the club, the player and fans. Arsenal don’t want to repeat that.

“Good deal for the player, good for Arsenal. If Saka decides he wants to move to say Real Madrid, remains the pinnacle in football, it still protects transfer value.”

Amortisation covers the overall cost of a player over the course of their entire contract, so this includes any signing-on bonuses, agents’ fees and more.

With the academy star coming through the ranks, there is no transfer fee involved either, making it even sweeter.

It stops Arsenal from needing to enter the market as well, with very few, if any, players available that match his quality.

In all, it could be the type of deal that secures the Arsenal spine for years to come.

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Arsenal’s spine is set with new contract offers

After Saka, TBR Football understands Arsenal are ready to offer a new contract to Jurrien Timber, with a view to keeping him at the club for longer on a better deal.

It shows just how hard the Gunners are working to get the core of the squad all set ahead of the next few years.

With no Arsenal contract expiring in 2026, it’s clear that the team are in a relatively strong space to build from.

There may be a lack of natural squad churn, however, with a lack of exits likely making it tough to bring anyone in without some sales.

That’s where Arsenal will have to decide on their direction with a few stars, but it’s clear that they are happy with the options they have moving forward.