Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has pledged his long-term future to the Premier League leaders after signing a new five-year contract, telling CNN that the club has “the opportunity to make history.”
Speaking exclusively to Amanda Davies at Arsenal’s Sobha Realty Training Centre in London, the 24-year-old described the decision as “an easy choice,” underlining his belief that the north London side is building something special.
“I think on my side it was an easy choice,” Saka said. “The club is going in the right direction for sure. We have an amazing team and we’re back fighting for every trophy, so no place I’d rather be. To be playing at the highest level, to be playing for Arsenal, this is everything I want.”
Title Race in Sight
With Arsenal currently leading the Premier League, Saka acknowledged the excitement around a potential title triumph but urged caution.
“It’s counterproductive to focus solely on that,” he said. “You have to do what you can day-to-day because you can’t control the outcome. We’re in control so we’re just looking forward to that.”
The winger admitted that previous near misses in the title race have been painful but believes they have strengthened the squad’s resolve.
“It’s not a nice thing. No one’s happy to go through them. What you learn is crucial and you just have to take it into the moment now which we’re in and try and do what we can to not have any miss next time.”
Arteta’s Influence
Saka reserved special praise for head coach Mikel Arteta, crediting him with playing a pivotal role in his development.
“He’s been pivotal for me, crucial in my development. I’ve become a much better player under him. He’s trusted me a lot and I’m very grateful. When people ask me what I want in a coach it’s him.”
However, Saka ruled out following in Arteta’s managerial footsteps after retirement.
“No chance. No. Definitely no. Hard no,” he said with a smile. “From being a player to a manager, I think it’s x10 the demands and I feel like after playing football I couldn’t see myself being a manager.”
Leading by Example
As his influence at Arsenal grows — including occasional stints as captain — Saka says he prefers to lead authentically rather than force authority.
“There are different types of captains, some are more vocal, some lead by example. I’ll just be myself. I don’t think too much about it. If you think about it and you force it it’s not going to be received well because people can see if you’re not being yourself. I just try and live in the moment. It’s just my instincts.”
Love Over Hate
Saka also reflected on the racist abuse he endured following England’s defeat in the UEFA Euro 2020 Final, saying the outpouring of support helped him recover from one of the toughest moments of his career.
“Love always wins because for all the hatred and the negativity the love that I received overcame everything,” he said. “Everyone who sent me a message — they were all examples of that love and how that can change a person because obviously that was a tough moment for me. I was on the floor, but it lifted me up and helped me to come back and do what I’ve been doing in recent years.”
Family at the Core
In an emotional moment during the interview, Saka read a never-before-seen letter from his parents, presented to him by Davies to mark his new contract.
“I don’t really see my mom and dad speak with me like this a lot. I’m pretty speechless,” he said. “I don’t feel I’m here alone. I feel they’re right with me, and they always have been, so I’m grateful.”
He credited his parents’ journey — from Nigeria to building a life in the UK — as the foundation of his values and success.
“Their journey is inspiring. From being in Nigeria to being where we are today as a family… For me the only explanation is God, because it’s not normal. It’s like one in a million chance for me to stand here today. I wouldn’t be here without them.”
With his future now secured, Saka’s message is clear: he believes Arsenal’s resurgence is only just beginning — and that the chance to turn promise into history is firmly within reach.